Enzo Maresca has been singing Cole Palmer’s praises, calling him the “key” to their push for the title. But now, it’s been revealed that Palmer’s season may be put on hold for six weeks due to a serious ankle injury.

The news comes just after manager Enzo Maresca had lauded Palmer as the “key” to their push for the title, making the timing of the injury all the more painful for the club and its supporters.

Maresca’s reliance on Palmer has been well-documented, with the manager consistently praising the young England international’s impact on and off the pitch. He has referred to Palmer as a “leader,” a player with the personality to demand the ball in difficult moments, and someone who can elevate the performance of those around him.

Maresca even admitted that it’s “not fair” to put all the pressure on one player, but the fact remains that Palmer’s remarkable goal-scoring and creative output have been central to Chelsea’s success.

This reliance now highlights the precarious position the team finds itself in, with their most important player sidelined.

The injury, which occurred in training, is expected to keep Palmer out for six weeks.

While initial reports were hopeful, further scans confirmed the severity of the issue. This isn’t the first time Palmer has had a physical setback this season, having also dealt with muscular issues and an illness that caused him to miss time.

The accumulation of these problems has raised concerns about the physical toll the season has taken on the 22-year-old, who has been a near-constant presence in the squad.

Palmer’s absence will force Maresca to re-evaluate his tactical approach and look for alternative solutions. The team has other attacking talents, such as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, who are now expected to step up and fill the void. However, the unique blend of skill, composure, and leadership that Palmer provides will be incredibly difficult to replicate.

The team’s recent dip in form, even with Palmer in the squad, was a testament to how crucial he is. With him now out, the challenge for Chelsea to maintain their title challenge becomes exponentially greater.

The news is a major setback for a Chelsea side that has shown significant improvement under Maresca. They were considered a genuine title contender, but losing their “key” player for a month and a half could derail their ambitions. The coming weeks will be a true test of the squad’s depth and resilience.