Chelseavs.Wolves

The England international has been one of the stars of the Premier League campaign, contributing 14 goals and six assists from his 21 starts.

He has been an ever-present in top-flight fixtures since the arrival of Maresca, yet it appears that run may come to an end at the start of next week.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, Maresca stated that Palmer was one of four players who are currently regarded as potential absentees for the meeting with Vitor Pereira's side.

Who else could miss Wolves game?

When quizzed on the club's injury news, Maresca began by saying: "Cole is a doubt, he was not in the session today."

He later added: "We don't know if he will train in the two days."

Maresca also revealed that Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez were also absent from training ahead of a game that takes place in three days time.

In the case of Lavia, he has just accumulated 101 minutes across two appearances against Morecambe and Bournemouth on the back of a month on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Colwill has started all but one of Chelsea's 21 Premier League fixtures, while Fernandez has also not participated in just one of the Blues' league encounters during 2024-25.

How could Maresca resolve issues?

While it is highly unlikely that all four players will miss out at this stage, Maresca will no doubt be contemplating how he would react to needing to face Wolves without four key players.

The recalled Trevoh Chalobah or Tosin Adarabioyo would be regarded as options to replace Colwill, potentially alongside 18-year-old Josh Acheampong.

Moises Caicedo appears destined to return to the engine room, allowing Malo Gusto or Reece James to be used at right-back, while Renato Veiga may have to be called upon to deputise in midfield if he does not go out on loan.

Further forward, Joao Felix would hope to get the nod if Palmer is unable to take his usual spot in the number 10 role, the Portuguese having only made three league starts since his return to the club.

Written by

Darren Plant