Enzo Maresca could have a decision to make when Chelsea take on Fulham at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Maresca was without Cole Palmer for the Blues’ match against West Ham United last Friday after the attacking midfielder had an issue with his groin during the warm-up.
Chelsea were still able to win comfortably in the end, beating their London rivals 5-1. Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian were on fire, with both players registering goal contributions on the night.
Estevao came in for Palmer, but it was Pedro who took his actual position in Maresca‘s set-up, and he may have to do the same thing on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca applauds during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and AC Milan
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Joao Pedro should start as No.10 as Cole Palmer misses Chelsea training
While there is still time for Palmer to recover for the Fulham game, things are not looking good for the 23-year-old at the moment.
Palmer was absent from Chelsea’s training session at Cobham on Tuesday, making him a doubt for Saturday’s west London derby.
🗣️'Bad news for Chelsea fans on Cole Palmer. He's not with the rest of the squad'
Gary Cotterill provides an update on Cole Palmer, with the 23-year-old not in training having missed Chelsea's 5-1 win over West Ham following a groin injury in the warm-up. pic.twitter.com/BM0OZAhAXK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 26, 2025
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In terms of a potential replacement should the Englishman miss the match, it is a very simple choice for Maresca to make.
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Pedro excelled as a No.10 at the London Stadium, scoring one goal and notching up two assists.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Estevao can also operate behind the striker. In fact, Chelsea envision Estevao playing as the 10, according to the player’s agent.
But Maresca should not fix what isn’t broken. Pedro being utilised as an attacking midfielder did the trick against Graham Potter’s men and is the solution this Saturday if Palmer is still out.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Joao Pedro’s numbers against West Ham in full
Pedro’s all-round performance at the London Stadium was excellent, with the Brazilian being absolutely dominant in the air. In total, he won six of the eight aerial duels he competed in.
In the end, Pedro proved to be a massive problem that West Ham could just not handle as the 23-year-old threatened their goal while creating chances.
He finished the game with three shots to his name and two big chances created.
Joao Pedro’s stats vs West Ham Total
Minutes 90
Goals 1
Assists 2
Touches 39
Accurate passes 22/26 (85%)
Key passes 2
Crosses (accurate) 1 (1)
Big chances created 2
Shots 3
Dribble attempts (successful) 2 (1)
Aerial duels (won) 8 (6)
Via Sofascore
Maresca has talked up Pedro’s flexibility, and Chelsea supporters could get another chance to see it when the Blues welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge.