Enzo Maresca drops strong hint of shock position change for Chelsea star amid injury crisis | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has hinted Cole Palmer could be a possible solution to Chelsea’s current striker shortage ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.

The Blues travel to the AMEX on Saturday evening facing a striker crisis after Maresca revealed that Marc Guiu would be out for a number of weeks, with Nicolas Jackson also a major doubt.

Chelsea knew they needed a striker, but didn’t address that position in the January window and they now have a problem they need to solve.

Maresca hints Palmer could be a solution at striker

Jackson has led line this season, but after a bright start he’s faded and has yet to score in 2025, whilst Guiu isn’t ready for regular Premier League minutes.

The most likely scenario is Christopher Nkunku plays there like he’s done on a number of occasions, although by Maresca’s own admission the 27-year-old isn’t a number nine, with his performances in the league in that position disappointing.

Joao Felix could have been another option, but he left for AC Milan, and speaking ahead of the Brighton game Maresca hinted at another solution.

Maresca has hinted Palmer could be a solution to Chelsea’s striker issues. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“We have players, Christo has played already as a nine, I had Cole playing as a nine in the past [in Manchester City’s youth set-up],” he said as quoted by The Evening Standard.

“We can find some different solutions. At the moment, we didn’t decide anything because we are still waiting for Nico and from there, we will see different options.”

Palmer has once again been Chelsea’s main man in attack this campaign, with 14 goals and six assists, and despite a slight drop off he’s still created the most chances in Europe’s top five leagues since December.

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It was announced yesterday that the 22-year-old was added to Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the knockout stages of the competition.

Given the shortage of attacking options Chelsea are once again going to be hoping Palmer can deliver on Saturday night as they look to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.