'Like Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah': ‎Enzo Maresca Explains Cole Palmer's Importance to Chelsea After New Injury Delay

By: Shawn
‎Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has underlined Cole Palmer’s importance to the team after the forward suffered a fresh setback that extends his recovery timeline. The manager likened Palmer’s absence to Manchester City losing Erling Haaland or Liverpool being without Mohamed Salah as the Blues continue to navigate a challenging period.
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‎Chelsea face another setback as Cole Palmer’s return is delayed after a freak toe injury, with Enzo Maresca stressing the forward’s vital role in the squad.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Chelsea have been without Palmer since he picked up a groin injury during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on 20 September. His return to first-team training had been scheduled for this week, yet a freak accident at home has delayed his comeback by another seven days after he stubbed his toe on a door.
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‎Palmer is now unavailable for Chelsea’s next three fixtures, including the Premier League trip to Burnley, the Champions League meeting with Barcelona, and the league clash with current leaders Arsenal. Maresca confirmed the situation in his pre-match press conference, noting that the injury was minor but still enough to rule the player out for the upcoming week.
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‎The manager highlighted Palmer’s influence since joining from Manchester City in 2023. The England international has produced 45 goals across 101 appearances for Chelsea and contributed to the club’s Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs. His impact on the pitch prompted Maresca to draw parallels with Haaland and Salah, stating that teams are not the same when their key attackers are absent.
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‎Maresca expressed pride in how the squad has handled the period without Palmer, emphasizing the collective effort required as the team adapts to the ongoing injury challenge. He noted the players’ commitment and their motivation to deliver strong performances for the club.
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‎Chelsea will have Liam Delap available again for the Burnley fixture. The striker recently returned from a hamstring issue and featured in the 3-0 Premier League win against Wolves before the international break. Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer and scored his first goal for the club against Esperance Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup.
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‎Maresca discussed Delap’s strengths, describing him as a forward who excels when there is space to attack. He also pointed out that Delap faces a learning process in matches where opponents defend deep, with the coaching staff working to help the striker continue adapting.
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‎Chelsea head into the Burnley match aiming to close the gap on leaders Arsenal. A victory at Turf Moor would move the Blues to within three points of the top of the table ahead of Arsenal’s derby meeting with Tottenham. Maresca’s team has recorded only one defeat in their last five games in all competitions, securing wins over Tottenham and Wolves in the league, advancing past Wolves in the Carabao Cup, and earning a Champions League draw with Qarabag.

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