UCL: Maresca rules out Palmer ahead of Barcelona clash

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is recovering well from a fractured toe but will not feature when Chelsea host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Both teams enter the Champions League fixture level on seven points after four matches, adding further weight to an already high-stakes contest.

Speaking during his pre-match briefing at Stamford Bridge, Maresca disclosed that Palmer is making steady progress but remains unavailable in the short term.

Palmer ruled out of Barcelona and Arsenal fixtures

“Yes, Cole is wearing a protective boot,” Maresca told reporters. “We don’t know when he will be back, but it will be soon.

“He’s already on the pitch, touching the ball, and the feeling is positive.
I don’t think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well.”

Chelsea’s win over Burnley has set up a demanding week featuring Barcelona in Europe and Arsenal in the Premier League.

Despite the magnitude of these fixtures, Maresca insisted that the team must maintain a disciplined, game-to-game mindset.

Coach stresses single-match focus amid busy schedule

“It’s a big week for us,” Maresca said. “But after this, we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, and Atalanta away, another big week.

“Every game offers us a chance to take three points, and we need to focus on each one as it comes.
Barcelona first, then Arsenal on Sunday. Both are important for different reasons, but we go game by game,” he added.