Cole Palmer makes Chelsea training return to raise hopes over Arsenal comeback

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Evening Standard

·24 November 2025

Cole Palmer makes Chelsea training return to raise hopes over Arsenal comeback

Blues talisman takes part in team session at Cobham ahead of Barcelona showdown after fracturing toe in freak accident

Chelsea have been handed a further boost after Cole Palmer returned to team training on Monday, raising hopes that he could yet make his long-awaited return from injury against Arsenal.

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The Blues’ attacking talisman has been sidelined for more than two months with a persistent groin problem suffered during the summer that has hampered his season so far, last appearing when he was substituted early during the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20.

It had been hoped that Palmer would come back soon after the November international break, only to then fracture the little toe on his left foot after stubbing it on a door in a freak accident at home last week.

Such a setback has delayed his return further, with the 23-year-old missing Saturday’s 2-0 win at Burnley that saw Chelsea rise up to second in the Premier League table and also ruled out of Tuesday’s high-profile Champions League meeting with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Head coach Enzo Maresca said before the trip to Turf Moor that Palmer would not play against Arsenal next weekend either, though did not rule out the possibility when he addressed the media again on Monday before Barcelona’s visit.

Maresca confirmed that the England star had resumed individual training and was already working with a ball, having seen his bid to return from his latest injury aided by a specially adapted boot that provides more cushion to protect the fractured toe.

That latest update was followed by Palmer resuming team training with Chelsea at Cobham on Monday afternoon, with his team-mates giving him a warm welcome back before the former Manchester City man was seen completing drills and taking part in more ball work.

All smiles: Palmer pictured with Chelsea team-mates Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto

AFP via Getty Images

While the Barcelona game will still surely come too soon for Palmer, a full week of training with no further setbacks could presumably place him in contention for Sunday, when dominant leaders Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge.

Victory in that game would see Chelsea move within just three points of the Premier League summit, after their win at Burnley on Saturday was followed by Manchester City losing 2-1 at Newcastle and crisis-stricken champions Liverpool being defeated again at Anfield by Nottingham Forest.