Chelsea star ‘not physically prepared’ to replace Cole Palmer, suggests Enzo Maresca

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Metro or go back to LFC Live.

Published October 3, 2025 12:08pm Updated October 3, 2025 12:08pm Maresca is without eight players for the game against Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images) Enzo Maresca has suggested Estevao Willian is not physically ready to replace Cole Palmer in the no10 role for Chelsea. Palmer’s absences have perhaps been felt the most.

Facundo Buonanotte, signed on loan from Brighton, has made three appearances in that position and represents Maresca’s only natural option there with Palmer unavailable. Estevao could be another option, with Maresca envisaging the Brazilian developing ‘exactly the same way’ Palmer did having initially played in a wider role during his days at Manchester City.

Estevao has shone since joining in the summer (Picture: Getty Images) The Chelsea boss suggested however he may still need time to be ‘physically prepared’ for a role in the middle of the pitch. ‘We consider all our players to give them minutes and all positions,’ Maresca told a press conference on Friday when asked if Estevao can play the no10 role. ‘But also I think Estevao reminded me a lot of Cole when Cole was with me in the Under-23s at City. Palmer is sidelined with a groin injury (Picture: Getty) ‘I think Cole’s path has been similar to Estevao’s path in terms of starting wide as a winger.