Cole Palmer's Absence Equated to Haaland's Impact on Manchester City, Claims Chelsea Manager Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has likened the absence of Cole Palmer to the void Manchester City would experience without Erling Haaland, or Liverpool without Mohamed Salah, underscoring the significant impact the young midfielder has on his team’s performance. Palmer is set to miss Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, November 21, 2025, due to a fractured toe. This injury will also sideline him for crucial matches against Barcelona and Arsenal in the following weeks.

The 23-year-old Palmer sustained the injury during a training session earlier this week, adding to Chelsea’s injury woes as they aim to consolidate their position in the top tier of the Premier League. The initial assessment suggests that Palmer will be out of action for at least three weeks, a considerable setback for Maresca’s plans.

Despite Palmer’s absence since September due to a hamstring injury, Chelsea have maintained a relatively strong run of form. In the 11 games played without him, the Blues have secured eight victories and suffered only two defeats. However, Maresca emphasized that Palmer’s presence provides a unique dimension to the team, capable of unlocking defenses and influencing the outcome of matches.

"I am very proud because, for us, Cole is like Haaland for City, like Salah for Liverpool. If Haaland doesn’t play for City, or Salah doesn’t play for Liverpool, they are not the same team," Maresca stated during a pre-match press conference on Friday. "So I am very proud, especially of the players, because it is a difficult moment without Cole. They are showing that they are good players, and they all want the best for this club."

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Palmer’s importance to Chelsea is underscored by his impressive goal-scoring record despite limited appearances this season. In just four appearances, he has managed to score two goals, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to make an immediate impact on the pitch. His creativity, vision, and technical skills have made him a key component of Chelsea’s attacking setup.

Chelsea currently sits third in the Premier League standings with 20 points, trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points. Their recent form has been encouraging, with a string of victories propelling them into contention for a Champions League spot. However, the absence of Palmer presents a challenge for Maresca as he seeks to maintain the team’s momentum.

Burnley, on the other hand, are struggling in the lower reaches of the table, occupying 17th place with 10 points. Their primary objective is to avoid relegation, and they will view the match against Chelsea as an opportunity to secure valuable points. Burnley’s recent performances have been inconsistent, but they are capable of causing an upset on their home ground.

Maresca is expected to reshuffle his attacking lineup in Palmer’s absence. Options include deploying Raheem Sterling in a more central role or giving opportunities to young players such as Noni Madueke. The manager will be looking for other players to step up and fill the void left by Palmer’s injury.

The Italian coach is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt his team’s approach based on the opposition. He may opt for a more cautious approach against Burnley, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Chelsea’s Jorginho and N’Golo Kante tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and disrupting Burnley’s attacks.

Chelsea’s defensive record has been impressive this season, with the team conceding only a few goals in their recent matches. The partnership of Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly in central defense has provided a solid foundation, and the full-backs, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, have contributed both defensively and offensively.

The match against Burnley will be a test of Chelsea’s squad depth and resilience. Maresca will be looking for his players to demonstrate their character and determination in the face of adversity. A victory at Turf Moor would be a significant boost for Chelsea’s title aspirations and would send a message to their rivals that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The upcoming fixtures against Barcelona and Arsenal will be equally challenging for Chelsea. Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, are a formidable opponent with a wealth of attacking talent. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, have been in excellent form this season and will pose a significant threat to Chelsea’s defense.

Maresca will be hoping that Palmer recovers quickly from his injury and returns to action as soon as possible. In the meantime, he will rely on his other players to step up and fill the void left by the young midfielder’s absence. Chelsea’s success this season will depend on their ability to overcome adversity and maintain their consistency in the face of injuries and other challenges.

Cole Palmer signed for Chelsea in the summer transfer window from Manchester City for a reported fee of £42.5 million. His arrival was met with enthusiasm by Chelsea fans, who saw him as a player with the potential to become a key figure in the team’s future. Palmer had previously struggled to break into the first team at Manchester City, despite his obvious talent and potential.

At Manchester City, Palmer was often deployed as a winger or attacking midfielder, but he has shown versatility and adaptability in his role at Chelsea. Maresca has praised Palmer’s work ethic, his commitment to the team, and his willingness to learn and improve.

Palmer’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by Chelsea, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. The likes of Sterling, Madueke, and others will be eager to seize their chance and make a positive contribution to the team’s success.

The game against Burnley is more than just a fixture; it is a test of Chelsea’s mettle and their ability to cope with adversity. The team’s response to Palmer’s absence will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike, and it will provide a valuable insight into their character and their potential for success this season.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.