Enzo Maresca’s plan must be clear after Cole Palmer’s injury timeline is revealed

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Despite leaving him out of action for a number of games before the international break, it appears that Enzo Maresca will not be welcoming Cole Palmer back to action in the game against Nottingham Forest.

According to BBC Sport, Palmer is set to miss the next four games in all competitions, with a potential return on the cards for the London derby against Tottenham.

Chelsea had been struggling without their key man in recent games, however they showed exactly what they can do with the thrilling victory against Liverpool before the break.

After starting an attack that included Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro, the Blues ended with three different players on the pitch as they chased the winner.

Estevao Willian found the net with seconds to play, however the goal was not the only thing he provided during his second half cameo.

Enzo Maresca must use Estevao Willian in the Number 10 role after Cole Palmer setback

Daniel Sturridge praised Estevao’s impact on the right of attack, however from his time in Brazil he has experience playing in a role which could be important for Chelsea.

The Brazil international played in the number 10 position on occasion for Palmeiras, and now he could be required to fill the role to replace Palmer.

Creativity is certainly what the Blues will need their players to step up with, and as per FotMob, Estevao has more expected assists this season than any other Chelsea player.

It helps if the manager can imagine this scenario too, and Maresca has already said Estevao can play anywhere in attack if required.

Estevao topping youngster stats

Estevao is the highest-rated youngster so far this season in the Premier League, with it not taking long for the wonderkid to start living up to the hype.

The winger is currently with the Brazil national team, with him being the only Chelsea player in the squad after Andrey Santos and Pedro’s exclusions.

The manager will be praying that he survives the break without injury, with there being a real chance he is in for a run in the starting side.

This could end up being in the number 10 role, as Chelsea take the appropriate caution with Palmer, given their expectations to compete on four fronts this season.