“I have to admit, it’s becoming a challenge to manage this situation. It’s one we’ll have to address carefully moving forward,” Enzo Maresca confessed as he faces a growing dilemma over Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca is facing a challenging selection dilemma at Chelsea, with Cole Palmer’s exceptional form in midfield making him nearly undroppable. The young England international has consistently delivered standout performances, forcing Maresca to make tough decisions that may sideline other talented players vying for more minutes on the pitch.

One such player feeling the impact is Christopher Nkunku, who reportedly finds himself frustrated with his limited opportunities. Despite boasting an impressive record of 11 goals and one assist in 19 games this season, including five goals in just four Conference League matches, Nkunku has only managed 11 minutes in the Premier League so far, according to The Times.

Addressing the situation, Maresca firmly denied rumors of Nkunku’s dissatisfaction, stating: “I spoke to Christo days ago, and he didn’t say he was unhappy. Of course, he wants more minutes, like many players. We have so many games, especially in December.”

Maresca also dismissed any speculation of Nkunku being sold in January, adding, “I completely want Christo to stay with us. We have no intention of letting him leave.”

However, the Chelsea manager acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the team’s attacking and defensive requirements. “The challenge with players like Christo, Joao [Felix], Noni [Madueke], or Cole is ensuring balance. Their strengths lie in attack, not defense. We’re exploring combinations and will find ways to include everyone.”

While Palmer’s incredible consistency makes him a fixture in the starting lineup, Maresca’s rotation strategies suggest that Nkunku’s opportunity to shine might still come as Chelsea navigate their packed December schedule. For now, though, the striker has little to celebrate and will hope for a turnaround in the weeks ahead.