
Chelsea face the possibility of being without their influential playmaker Cole Palmer for Monday’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Head coach Enzo Maresca revealed during his pre-match press conference that Palmer had missed training, raising doubts about his availability.
Losing Palmer would be a significant blow, as the attacking midfielder has been pivotal for Chelsea this season. However, Maresca has several options to fill the void, including some bold tactical adjustments.
Here are three potential ways the Blues could line up without Palmer:
1. Joao Felix as the No.10
The most likely solution would see Joao Felix slot into the familiar 4-2-3-1 system as the central attacking midfielder. Felix, who thrives playing behind a striker, has been in fine form lately. The 25-year-old created the free-kick Reece James converted in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and netted twice in Chelsea’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Morecambe.
2. Christopher Nkunku as the No.10
Another option is Christopher Nkunku stepping into Palmer’s role. Nkunku also excels in a supporting role behind a forward and could offer Chelsea an edge in finishing, especially with Nicolas Jackson struggling to convert chances in recent games. However, speculation about Bayern Munich’s interest in Nkunku might raise concerns about his focus.
3. Felix and Nkunku Together in a 4-1-4-1 Formation
For a more adventurous approach, Maresca could deploy both Felix and Nkunku in a 4-1-4-1 formation, as he did in Chelsea’s 8-0 Conference League victory over Noah. While this setup allowed for an offensive masterclass in Europe, employing it in the Premier League would be a much riskier move, leaving the midfield exposed with just one holding player.
Chelsea fans will be keen to see how Maresca addresses Palmer’s potential absence, as the tactical choice could prove decisive in a crucial Premier League fixture.
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