Chelsea have been dealt a crushing blow with confirmation that Cole Palmer will miss six weeks through injury, just days after manager Enzo Maresca hailed him as the “key” to their title bid.
Maresca has made no secret of his reliance on the 22-year-old, repeatedly describing him as a “leader” with the mentality to take responsibility in high-pressure moments and the quality to lift those around him. While the Italian admitted it was “not fair” to place so much expectation on one player, Palmer’s prolific goals and creativity have been at the heart of Chelsea’s resurgence.
That dependence is now under the spotlight. The setback, suffered in training, was initially thought to be minor, but scans confirmed a more serious issue that will sideline Palmer until mid-autumn. It comes after a season already interrupted by muscular problems and illness, sparking concerns over whether the heavy workload has begun to take its toll.
In his absence, Maresca will be forced to rethink his attacking setup. Forwards Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are expected to shoulder greater responsibility, but neither possesses Palmer’s unique mix of composure, vision, and leadership. His absence could not come at a worse time, with Chelsea’s recent stumbles already highlighting how dependent they have become on his influence.
The injury is a huge setback to a side transformed under Maresca and seen as genuine title challengers. Without their talisman, Chelsea’s hopes of sustaining a push for the Premier League crown may rest on whether the squad’s depth and resilience can withstand the coming six weeks.
