Advertisement

Chelsea have perfect Cole Palmer replacement for Bournemouth amid Enzo Maresca injury fear

Cole Palmer
-Credit: (Image: Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC)


"It was amazing," Joao Felix admitted as he struggled to hide his smile. The Portuguese had a grin from ear to ear caused by the sheer mention of Chelsea supporters singing his name once again.

After coming on for the last 22 minutes at Molineux last month, Felix made his impact felt immediately with a fine finish from a Pedro Neto cross in the Midlands. The 24-year-old attacker was making his second debut for Chelsea after spending the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

"It was amazing to hear the song from the fans," Felix added. "It gave me goose bumps. I'm so, so happy to be back. I want to give everything I can to help the team, to help the club, and give good moments to the fans - that's what I work for."

Playing for 22 minutes on that day and then 32 in Chelsea's most recent game against Crystal Palace, we are yet to see much of Felix since returning to the club. However, that could change this weekend as Chelsea make the trip down to the south coast to take on Bournemouth.

It is match day number four for the Blues in the Premier League and the international break could mean there are some selection issues for Enzo Maresca. One player whose fitness is certainly a concern at the minute is Cole Palmer; the one player that you wish there was not an issue with.

Palmer withdrew from the England squad last week for their Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland to continue his rehab at Cobham with an "ongoing issue". The 22-year-old, who was named Chelsea's Player of the Season in 2023/24, has started this term with a goal and four assists in three league appearances.

READ MORE: Chelsea have three things to consider before rushing into Victor Osimhen January transfer deal

READ MORE: Clearlake Capital's Chelsea stance perfectly clear as Todd Boehly's two options explained

The former Manchester City attacker was also left out of Chelsea's UEFA Conference League squad last week - to the surprise of many supporters. football.london understands the decision was taken in relation to load management as Maresca looks to keep his star player as fit as possible for what is going to be an extremely long season for Chelsea.

So there are some clear concerns from the club over Palmer and his fitness at the moment despite the England international being pictured in full training on Monday. We could well see Palmer used from the bench at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend and potentially a full - second - debut for Felix.

It could be a hugely significant game for Felix should he be given the nod from the start against Bournemouth. The former Atletico Madrid attacker is looking to finally find his permanent home after playing for four different clubs in the last six years.

The potential with Felix is huge; the talent and ability is clearly there but he needs to do it on a regular basis. That is the only gripe you could possibly have with his first spell at Chelsea - he was not able to replicate his brilliance on a weekly basis.

"It's a chance for me to find a home," Felix said after signing for Chelsea for a second time. "After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There is no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine."

Vamos, Joao. This is your chance.