Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has said Cole Palmer could return to action sooner than expected but still expects the playmaker to miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal .

Palmer was nearing full fitness after picking up a groin injury in September only to last week fracture his toe in a bizarre accident at home.

The 23-year-old was then ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Barcelona and Arsenal's visit to Stamford Bridge but Maresca was upbeat about Palmer's prognosis after the club created a specially-adapted boot for his left foot to aid recovery.

"We don't know when, but for sure it will be soon," Maresca told a news conference on Monday. "He's already on the pitch, he's already touching the ball and the feeling is good.

"We are here for tomorrow's game t

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