Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Facundo Buonanotte could be the man to step into Cole Palmer’s role in the starting XI, stressing that flexibility will be key in the coming fixtures.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Brighton, Maresca explained that squad balance and tactical demands will ultimately dictate his decision.
“Facundo is a very intelligent player, and he gives us different options,” Maresca said. “Replacing someone like Cole is never easy, but it’s about adapting to the game, the opponent, and what the team needs.”
The 19-year-old Argentine has impressed in training, and Maresca’s remarks suggest he could be trusted with more responsibility as Chelsea navigate a challenging period.
Palmer, who has been the creative heartbeat of the team, may be rotated or rested, opening the door for Buonanotte to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
With fixtures piling up, Maresca stressed that squad depth and adaptability will be crucial:
“It’s not about one player; it’s about the collective. We need everyone ready.”
Chelsea fans will now be watching closely to see if Buonanotte gets the nod against Brighton and whether he can step up in Palmer’s absence.
