Chelsea have already turned their attention to recruitment matters ahead of 2026, and could be set to change their transfer strategy to complete an intriguing move.
Chelsea look to Cole Palmer alternatives after injury confirmation
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea will be relieved to see Premier League football return after the international break.
However, it isn't all good news, with Maresca confirming that Cole Palmer faces six more weeks on the sidelines. The forward's niggling groin injury has limited his ability to make an impact this term, and he now won't be back until around December.
Addressing his situation, the Italian boss made it clear that despite the nature of his issue, surgery will remain off the table for now as he aims to recover before the festive period.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer
"Unfortunately he needs to be out for six more weeks. Yes, absolutely (he won't need surgery). We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit," Maresca told talkSPORT.
"Unfortunately the medical staff are not magicians. You never know that (timeframe). Probably he needs six weeks. We hope six weeks are enough. It’s a problem we need to see step by step, week after week."
Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto also suffered fitness issues in the build up to their clash with Nottingham Forest earlier today, continuing a theme of injury concerns at Stamford Bridge that will force Maresca to shuffle his pack amid a busy fixture schedule.
While not on their immediate radar, incoming transfers will become an important part of their long-term planning over the coming weeks, albeit it remains to be seen where Maresca feels his squad needs reinforcements most.
Reports suggest Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back in January, coming after Maresca publicly requested one in the summer window, and links continue to surround a potential new goalkeeper as well.
Interestingly, a new midfielder could be on the agenda too, and Chelsea could now be set to deviate from their transfer philosophy in an attempt to sign an experienced playmaker.
Dean Jones on Chelsea's potential move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Previously, FootballFanCast relayed news from Italy that Chelsea are pushing to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Al-Hilal in what could be a deviation from their usual transfer strategy of recruiting young players with potential.
Deemed to be earning around £418,000 per week in the Middle East, the Serbia international has regularly been linked with Premier League clubs over the last decade, and he may be available to return to Europe on a free transfer next summer.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's record at Al-Hilal
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Contract expires
Delivering some clarity on his situation, Dean Jones suggests Chelsea could value Milinkovic-Savic's leadership qualities, and this may lead the West Londoners to pursuing a deal that would be classed as out of the ordinary compared with their usual transfer activity.
Chelsea are renowned for going for players below a certain age, but Jones says more senior options "will be considered" moving forward.
"In terms of squad balance, I think it would make sense that they do look to bring someone in who can bring a sense of authority and composure to certain situations – most successful teams do have that sense of experience and leadership," Jones told TEAMtalk.
"Al-Hilal are looking to offer him new terms so I am wary of that aspect of these Chelsea rumours, but I imagine there will be further names mentioned over the coming months that fit this more senior bracket of player that will be considered moving forwards."
Successful Chelsea teams of the past have been littered with experienced professionals capable of conjuring important moments, and it appears Maresca wants to lean into that long-held tradition should he get the chance next summer, which could be beneficial for everyone.