Cole Palmer latest injury update -- Enzo Maresca speaks ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal, talks Estevao

Cole Palmer's prolonged wait to return from an injury is set for Chelsea's big Premier League match-up with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Palmer had been hampered by a groin injury since August, missing all but four games of the season including the last 11 across all competitions.

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The 23-year-old had been set to return to the Blues for their Week 12 visit to Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday but Palmer's house had other ideas.

According to Gail Davis of Sky Sports, Palmer — wait for it — stubbed the little toe of his foot on a door at home, fracturing it.

Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer’s return

Enzo Maresca said Palmer would be available to start or come off the bench.

"Good news for both," said the Chelsea boss. "Everyone is happy, team-mates are happy. The most important thing is that Cole is happy. Football players want to play games."

With loads of buzz around Estevao Willian, who has been starring for club and country, Maresca said this won't get in the way of the teenager hitting the pitch.

"They can play together. Depends against which team, and the game plan. But for sure they are excited, the fans are excited to watch both together. We're excited but we always need balance between the two phases."

Cole Palmer had suffered new injury at home to delay return

Speaking after Palmer's toe injury, Maresca said Palmer wasn't limping badly but was not wearing 'socks or flip-flops' as contact with footwear was 'a bit painful.'

"For sure he won’t feature in this game, and for sure not for Barcelona or Arsenal," Enzo Maresca said November 21. "Unfortunately, he had an accident at home two days ago where he hit his toe. It is fractured. It’s disappointing but these things can happen. It’s nothing too serious but it’s causing him some pain on his little toe and for sure he’s not going to be available for this week or next.

"He was very close to being back with us from his groin issue which is very good but then he had this problem with his toe, which has set him back. It’s nothing major but he needs a bit more time to recover."