Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer will be out for a few weeks with an ongoing groin issue.
Cole Palmer’s absence is going to be felt over the coming weeks. Chelsea’s star man is an integral piece in Enzo Maresca’s side, which is why the injury announcement ahead of Brighton has come as such a blow.
Palmer was the eighth-best player in the world last season, according to Ballon d’Or voting. Trying to cover for such a loss is no easy feat.
But that’s the hand Chelsea have been dealt, and Maresca has a couple of solutions in mind.
Enzo Maresca says Facundo Buonanotte and Enzo Fernandez can cover
Palmer typically takes up a central attacking role for Chelsea, acting as the focal point of the attack. Everything goes through the 23-year-old.
With him now out for the foreseeable, it will fall on Chelsea’s Argentine duo to take up the mantle.
Both Facundo Buonanotte and Enzo Fernandez played midweek against Lincoln City. Buonanotte got his first Chelsea goal during a solid performance, and Maresca thinks he could be ready to step in.
When asked about replacing Palmer, Maresca responded: “Buonanotte can play in that position. But it depends a little bit on the game, the other team and how they defend. It depends.”
For the next Premier League match, Buonanotte won’t feature against his parent club, but there is another option.
He continues: “Enzo [Fernandez] can play in different positions for us. He can play as a No.6, an attacking midfielder. We use him for 90% of our games as an attacking midfielder. He’s very good in that position.”
Fernandez’s display against Lincoln wasn’t his best. He was at fault for their opener when he made a wayward pass across the defensive line.
But Maresca isn’t too worried: “The reason why he can have some good and bad moments is probably because of the amount of games. It’s impossible to think you can play 64 games – that we played last season – at the same level. But we’re happy with Enzo.”
Chelsea will have to find creativity from new signings
Palmer is Chelsea’s most important player by far. With the fixtures Chelsea have on the horizon, not having him in the line-up is sure to make things difficult.
Joao Pedro would be the best option to take Palmer’s 10 role, but with no Liam Delap, the Brazilian is required to lead the line.
Now is the time for the wide players who have arrived to show their worth. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been underwhelming so far, but they have the talent to assume some of the creative responsibilities. Estevao has already shown signs that he can contribute too.
After failing to take advantage of a favourable schedule in the opening weeks, the fixtures are about to get tougher, and Maresca needs to figure out how to cope (and succeed) without Palmer around.
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