Enzo Maresca explains the Cole Palmer issue that is a problem for Joao Felix

Cole Palmer, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have all provided impressive returns this season.

However, Felix has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League since signing from Atletico Madrid in the summer.

The Portuguese playmaker took his tally for the season to seven goals on Saturday with a brace against Morecambe in the FA Cup.

Following the match, Maresca was asked if he wants more from Felix in order to give him more game time.

In response, the Blues boss explained: "No, the only thing I've said since the start of this season is that it's difficult to play him with so many attacking players.

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"In my idea it means that if Joao plays, it means Cole (Palmer) doesn't play. Or, if Joao plays he has to play with Cole together, but it depends on the game.

"For me it's quite easy, we have three players but they are more or less similar; Cole, Joao and Christopher Nkunku.

"Joao played some games, Christopher also played and they both started against Ipswich and Southampton they played, Leicester they played.

"Some games they can both play together, but not every game because every game is a bit different."

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Nkunku was also on the score sheet in the 5-0 win at Stamford Bridge having missed a penalty earlier in the match.

The Frenchman is now tied with Palmer as Chelsea's top scorer this season on 13 goals.

Palmer was not involved against the League Two side, with all of his strikes coming in the Premier League.

He has also provided six assists across his 20 appearances in the league this term.

The Blues are next in action at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night before the visit of Wolves on January 20.

Maresca has already had to juggle the Europa Conference League with his side's domestic commitments.

Although Palmer is not registered to play in Europe, both Felix and Nkunku starred for Chelsea during the league phase.

After topping the table, Maresca's side will resume their campaign in the round of 16 in March.

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