Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer injury update ahead of Barcelona

Enzo Maresca says he expects Cole Palmer to return to action “soon”.

The Blues forward suffered a fractured toe during an accident at home, delaying his comeback from the groin injury which has kept him out since September.

But while Maresca does not expect him to return against Barcelona on Tuesday or against Arsenal on Sunday, the Blues boss says he has been progressing well.

“Yeah, we don’t know when, but for sure it will be soon,” he said when asked if Palmer will return soon.

“He’s already on the pitch. He’s already touching the ball and the feeling is good.”

But asked if he will be back this week, the Italian coach responded: “I don’t think so at the moment.

“The last time I spoke with Cole was after the session to ask how was he feeling and it was a good feeling.

“But I didn’t ask him details about the injury at all.”