“In my opinion” – Paul Merson names player who must play to get best out of Palmer | OneFootball

Former Premier League footballer Paul Merson believes Chelsea need to play Liam Delap as striker to get the best out of star man Cole Palmer.

Palmer is set to miss the next three games after suffering a fractured toe in an accident at home, and won’t be available for key games against Barcelona and Arsenal next week.

In fact the England international hasn’t featured for the Blues since going off in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United back in September.

Paul Merson suggests how Chelsea can get best out of Cole Palmer

It’s a blow for the Blues given all the reports had suggested Palmer was working his way back to play some part against Barcelona or Arsenal.

It’s believed Chelsea have had a football boot specially adapted for Palmer in order to get him back as quickly as possible.

If all goes to plan then he could return against either Leeds or Bournemouth with both fixtures taking place in the first week of December.

Palmer is set to be sidelined until December. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Once the 23-year-old does return attention will switch to getting the best out of him, and Merson believes playing Delap will do just that.

“I would go with Liam Delap as the striker for this game and I’d stick to that even after Cole Palmer returns from injury,” he told Sportskeeda.

“Palmer is someone who needs runners with him, that is why Nicolas Jackson was such a good option for Chelsea.

“If Joao Pedro plays as striker, he will drop deep and that will not free up enough space for Palmer to operate.

“Delap, on the other hand, is a willing runner and a proper number nine who will suit Palmer in my opinion.”

Enzo Maresca provides positive injury update

Despite the setback there was good news on the injury front for Chelsea ahead of the trip to Premier League new boys Burnley.

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Maresca confirmed Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez are both available having withdrawn from international duty.

There’s also good news at the back with Benoit Badiashile fit and available, and he could make his first appearance since the win against Liverpool.