Enzo Maresca is facing a defining week at Chelsea, amplified by a growing injury crisis, with Cole Palmer's absence headlining the list. The young playmaker is set to miss the next three matches due to a groin injury, a significant blow to Chelsea's attacking prowess. Palmer will be unavailable for the upcoming Premier League matches against Brighton and Liverpool, as well as the Champions League visit of Benfica. He will also likely miss England's friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Maresca confirmed the decision to rest Palmer for the next "two to three weeks" to allow the injury to heal fully. The Chelsea boss stated that surgery is not required, but managing the pain and preventing further aggravation is crucial. Palmer had previously withdrawn from the starting lineup against West Ham in August due to a similar issue and also missed the victory over Fulham and England's September World Cup qualifiers.

The injury crisis extends beyond Palmer, with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out until after the international break with a calf problem. Wesley Fofana suffered a concussion in the Carabao Cup win against Lincoln, further depleting Maresca's defensive options. Long-term absentees include Levi Colwill, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and Liam Delap, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are also currently sidelined.

Despite the mounting injury concerns, Maresca remains focused on finding solutions and maintaining a positive outlook. He acknowledged that Chelsea are a better team with Palmer but emphasized the need to adapt and find alternative solutions in his absence. Facundo Buonanotte is one potential replacement for Palmer, although he is ineligible to play against his parent club Brighton this weekend.

Maresca also reiterated his faith in young players like Josh Acheampong, who has previously featured in the Premier League. Acheampong's versatility and familiarity with the first team setup make him a valuable asset during this challenging period.

Chelsea's upcoming fixtures present a significant test for Maresca and his squad. The team will face Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool, all at Stamford Bridge. These matches will be crucial in shaping the early season narrative and determining Chelsea's trajectory in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Maresca is aware of the importance of the next few games but has downplayed the idea that they will define the entire season. He emphasized the need to take each game as it comes and focus on implementing his tactical vision despite the challenges.

The return of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez from suspension will provide a boost to the team. Sánchez missed the previous match due to a red card received against Manchester United. Maresca has expressed his confidence in Sánchez, highlighting his positive contributions to the team.

As Chelsea navigates this challenging period, Maresca's leadership and tactical acumen will be put to the test. The ability to adapt to the injury crisis, find solutions within the squad, and maintain a positive mentality will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming weeks.