Chelsea are already focusing on recruitment issues for 2026 and could change their transfer strategy to complete an interesting move.
Chelsea hopeful of replacing Cole Palmer after injury confirmed
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea will be relieved to see the Premier League resume after the international break.
But it’s not all good news, with Maresca confirming that Cole Palmer faces another six weeks out. The forward’s minor groin injury has limited his ability to make an impact this term, and he is not expected to return until around December.
Regarding his situation, the Italian coach confirmed that despite the nature of the problem, there are no immediate plans for surgery as he aims to recover by the holiday period.
“Unfortunately, he will need to be out for another six weeks. Yes, absolutely (surgery will not be necessary). We are trying to stick to the call as best we can. The most important thing is that he is fully healthy when he comes back,” Maresca told talkSPORT.
“Unfortunately, medical staff are not magicians. You never know that (timeframe). He probably needs six weeks. We hope six weeks is enough. This is something we have to look at step by step, week by week.”
Enzo Fernandes, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto also suffered fitness issues in the build-up to today’s game against Nottingham Forest, and injuries remain a concern at Stamford Bridge, with Maresca likely to shuffle his squad around amid a busy fixture schedule.
While it is not an immediate concern, it remains to be seen where Maresca’s squad most needs reinforcements, but future transfers will be a key part of his long-term plans for the coming weeks.
Chelsea are reportedly prioritizing the signing of a centre-back in January after Maresca made a public request for one in the summer, but the possibility of a new goalkeeper remains linked as well.
Interestingly, signing a new midfielder could also be on the table, with Chelsea potentially deviating from their transfer philosophy in favor of signing an experienced playmaker.
Dean Jones talks about Chelsea’s possibility of signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Previously, sportsdaily reported news from Italy that Chelsea are in the process of signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Al Hilal, in what could be a departure from their usual transfer strategy of acquiring young players with potential.
The Serbian international, who is believed to be earning around £418,000 a week in the Middle East, has been regularly linked with Premier League clubs over the past decade and could return to Europe on a free transfer next summer.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s performance at Al Hilal | |
Appearance | 102 |
the goal | 30 |
assist | 26 |
contract expires | 2026/06/30 |
Dean Jones has provided some clarity on his situation, suggesting Chelsea may assess Milinkovic-Savic’s leadership qualities, which could lead to the west Londoners pursuing a deal that would be seen as unusual compared to normal transfer activity.
Chelsea are notorious for signing players under a certain age, but Jones said more senior options would be “on the table” going forward.
“In terms of team balance, I think it’s natural for teams to try to bring in guys who can bring authority and calm to certain situations. Most successful teams have that kind of experience and sense of leadership,” Jones told TEAMtalk.
“We are wary of that aspect of the Chelsea rumors as Al Hilal are looking to offer him new terms, but we are sure to see further names come up in the coming months that would be suitable for senior players to be considered.”
Chelsea’s successful teams in the past are full of experienced professionals who can conjure up big moments, and Maresca appears to be hoping to rely on that long-standing tradition if he gets his chance next summer, which could be beneficial for everyone.
