In their fifth Premier League game of the 2025/26 season, Enzo Maresca’s men lost the Manchester United vs Chelsea game 2-1, with a Cole Palmer injury adding to the blow.
With a persistent groin injury, it has since been confirmed that the Englishman will miss this weekend’s Brighton fixture, and be sidelined for a few weeks. One question remains now. Who will play in Cole Palmer’s position?
Chelsea’s Main Man Goes Down
Back in August, Palmer had already been declared unfit to face West Ham and Fulham. He returned in time to face Brentford on September 13, and came off the bench to score Chelsea’s first goal in the 2-2 draw.
While it was clear that his return needed to be managed carefully, Maresca took the risk to start the England international against Bayern Munich.
It was a well-rewarded risk though, as Palmer was Chelsea’s best man at the Allianz, scoring the visitors’ only goal of the game as well as a disallowed goal.
He played the full game, which no doubt played a part in setting him back in his recovery, but it was a poetic night for Palmer. His 100th Chelsea appearance. His first Champions League game in Royal Blue. And, of course, a world-class goal to cap it all off.
A trip to Old Trafford followed for Chelsea, and the true fragility of Palmer’s injury was revealed.
While a red card shown to Robert Sanchez as early as the fifth minute meant inevitable changes to Maresca’s formation, Palmer being substituted off in the 21st minute was a shocking decision at the time.
Many had questioned Maresca’s choice, but it was later confirmed that the Chelsea star was taken off due to discomfort, with his groin injury not a thing of the past.
So now that begs the question…
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Who Will Play in Cole Palmer’s Position?
Palmer is set to be sidelined for a few weeks, leaving Enzo Maresca without his best attacking player. Having already dealt with his presence against West Ham and Fulham, Maresca can make an informed decision on who will play in Cole Palmer’s position before his return.
As it stands, the Italian head coach has three viable options.
Young Brazilian Andrey Santos feels like the most obvious fit as a temporary Palmer replacement.
Having signed for Chelsea in early 2024, Santos joined Strasbourg on loan – a successful spell – returning to Stamford Bridge just before the 2025 Club World Cup.
He is yet to start for the Blues in the Premier League but has shown flashes of promise when coming off the bench.
However, should Santos be included in the starting XI, he may not play in the No. 10 position, but instead player alongside Moises Caicedo, allowing a struggling Enzo Fernandez to play further forward.
Another option for Maresca would be to start Estevao, who has only started in three Premier League games so far. His flair and style might be more suitable for the No. 10 position, especially in place of Palmer. However, he is only 18, and inexperience might push Maresca to not put extra pressure on the young Brazilian.
Lastly, the Chelsea head coach could choose to have Joao Pedro play up front with Pedro Neto or Tyrique George playing as a false nine. However, Chelsea’s lack of striker options with Liam Delap’s injury makes the Cole Palmer injury more of a problem for Maresca.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Every Second Media
Recording Date: 20.09.2025