Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League trip to Atalanta will see plenty of changes from the side held to a scoreless draw at Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca has some tough decisions to make all over the pitch, but we predict a rotated Chelsea starting XI against Atalanta.
Maybe not as rotated as previous European nights. Chelsea paid the price for too much change against Qarabag.
But in one instance, his hand has been forced after what’s come out about Cole Palmer.
How much is Cole Palmer worth?
Cole Palmer celebrates during FC Bayern München v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
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Cole Palmer absent from Chelsea training ahead of Atalanta
Palmer looked off it against Bournemouth. He can be forgiven for that, having not started a game since September 20th.
And now we have been told he’s missing from training.
As Nizaar Kinsella revealed on X: “Cole Palmer is not involved in training today ahead of Atalanta. There is no injury, it is just part of his return process and he will be ready to face Everton on Saturday.”
Fortunately, it’s not an aggravation to either of the injuries he’s been dealing with, but rather a tactical rest ahead of the weekend’s league outing.
While it’s never good to be without a star, it does give one out-of-favour Chelsea man a chance to get back in the manager’s plans.
Faunco Buonanotte before Chelsea against Brentford in the Premier League.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Facundo Buonanotte should get his chance
We thought the injury crisis that took over Chelsea early in the season was finally behind us, but Liam Delap’s recent shoulder injury has complicated things.
Joao Pedro may be needed further up the pitch, so it could give Facundo Buonanotte a rare opportunity.
Chelsea insiders claim Buonanotte has a part to play this season, but he’s rarely been called upon.
Cole Palmer is set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League tie against Atalanta. Who would you like to see replace him?
Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea against Leeds
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That could change on Tuesday. If he’s ever going to get his Chelsea chance, it would be against Atalanta.
If Maresca opts for a different option, it tells us all we need to know about Buonanotte’s Chelsea future.
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