Enzo Maresca has tried to calm the growing excitement around the idea of Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian lining up side by side. Cole Palmer, who was recently ruled out for six weeks, as reported by Softfootball, is set to make his return against Arsenal.
The return of Cole Palmer to the squad has sparked new speculation about whether he and Estevao can fit together in Chelsea’s game plan, and Chelsea’s boss addressed the situation, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He made it clear that choosing both of them will always depend on the opponent and the specific plan for the match.
He said:
Maresca: Palmer and Estêvão can play together, for sure. It depends against which team and the game plan. But for sure, they, and the fans, are excited. We are excited.
Estevao has stepped up in Palmer’s absence; he also scored a goal during the club’s stunning 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona. Those recent performances have naturally pushed the conversation forward. While fans imagine the creativity and flair the two could bring as a duo, Maresca kept his focus on the tactical side.
He said he is excited like everyone else, but the balance between attack and defence cannot be ignored, particularly when both players thrive on taking risks with the ball.
Estevao, still only 18, has been one of Chelsea’s brightest players over the last stretch of games. His goals against Liverpool and Barcelona arrived at moments when the team badly needed someone to take responsibility in the final third.
That impact has created a real selection puzzle for Maresca, although he does not see it as a negative situation, something every manager would prefer to have rather than searching for solutions in tougher circumstances.
For now, Maresca appears comfortable letting Estevao continue his rise while waiting for Palmer to recover. When both are fully available, Chelsea supporters will hope the manager eventually finds a way to put them on the pitch together, even if the timing depends on the demands of each match.
