Enzo Maresca could be forced to scrap one January transfer plan (Image: Getty)
may have to press the brakes on January plans to move attacking players on if worst fears come true.
The Blues have struggled for form in recent weeks, having established themselves as an outsider for the title at the backend of 2024.
Reece James’ late strike against Bournemouth in mid-week might’ve rescued a point for the capital club, but are still five matches without a victory.
It’s coincided with a goal drought for striker Nicolas Jackson, who has netted just once in his last seven outings, with talk of needing to invest in a blockbuster centre-forward having resurfaced.
As if that wasn’t bad enough for Maresca, have been left sweating about the fitness of star man , who missed training on Friday afternoon ahead of their clash with Wolves on Monday.
When quizzed on his availability for the contest, Maresca said: “They kicked him so he didn’t train today [Friday], we don’t know if he will train tomorrow [Saturday].
“Cole, Levi [Colwill], Romeo [Lavia] were not in the session today. We have three or four players who are a doubt for Monday’s game because in the last game they picked up some problems.
“We rely on Cole because he is a big player. We prefer to play with Cole but in case he has an injury or a problem, then we will find a solution.”
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Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have found minutes hard to come by this season (Image: Getty)
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They’re problems that will likely impact Maresca’s plans for the upcoming fixtures, but they might also stop from sanctioning exits for the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix.
Nkunku has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge throughout January, with Bayern Munich mooted as a potential suitor for the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Felix, who only penned a permanent transfer in the summer, has been approached by Serie A outfit AC Milan about a move this month.
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The two joined for a combined cost of £100m in the previous two summer transfer windows, with unlikely to accept much less than their money back on the nine-figure investment.
But if Jackson continues to struggle in front of goal and Palmer’s knock turns into something more serious, Maresca might have to turn to the likes of Nkunku and Felix more often across the coming weeks and months.
If so, the owners could be missing out on a hefty payday.