Henry says Chelsea not the same team without one player

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·11 December 2025

Henry says Chelsea not the same team without one player

Thierry Henry has said Chelsea struggle to break down teams without the presence of Cole Palmer.

Palmer has endured an injury-hit start to the season and has played just 322 minutes across the Premier League and Champions League. The 23-year-old has recently returned from groin and toe issues, but was not risked during the defeat to Atalanta in midweek.

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Chelsea crashed to a 2-1 defeat to the Italian side and Henry underlined Palmer’s importance to Enzo Maresca’s plan. Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, the Frenchman said Chelsea’s other attacking options simply are not on ‘Cole Palmer’s level’.

“You see them dominate games against sides like Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG but against teams like this, Chelsea struggle, why? Well, They don’t have the weapons to break open teams like this without Cole Palmer,” the former Arsenal striker said.

“They are winless in the last four games, but can you blame the manager? I don’t think so.

“I don’t think any of their attackers is on Cole Palmer’s level which should tell you the level they all still are. Some of their players also look fatigued.”

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