“I think it’s linked to” – Martin Keown shares theory on why Cole Palmer’s struggling | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the absence of one player is linked to why Cole Palmer is currently struggling.

Palmer has once again been one of Chelsea’s top performers this season and has 14 goals and six assists in the league to date.

However, the 22-year-old hasn’t scored since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on January 14th, and Chelsea need him to get back to his best for the difficult run-in.

Keown on why Palmer is struggling

Palmer has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival in the summer of 2023, but his form will be a concern, and he missed the first penalty of his senior career in the win against Leicester last weekend.

Graeme Souness has warned critics of Palmer to back off, and Maresca has insisted on several occasions he’s not concerned by his performances.

Chelsea face a huge game against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, and that would be as good a time as any for Palmer to rediscover his form.

Jackson and Palmer have struck up a good on pitch Chemistry. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Blues have managed to pick results up without Palmer playing to his usual standards, and Keown believes the absence of Jackson is impacting the England international, something Paul Merson has also stated.

“I think it’s linked to Jackson being fit,” he told talkSPORT.

“I think he’s really underrated and I looked at his statistics, he’s making more high-intensity runs than any other player.

“Almost 100 more runs into channels, he’s freeing up space for Palmer.

“OK, it [Palmer’s form] started to drop a little bit before Jackson gets his injury, but they need him back really quickly.

“And of course, again, recruitment, it’s an area Chelsea will want to strengthen despite the fact they’ve spent £1.5billion on players.”

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Jackson and Palmer had linked up for a number of goals earlier in the season, and the 23-year-old is sorely missed by the Blues.

The striker is due back after the international break and Chelsea will desperately be hoping his return reignites that spark in Palmer.