After suffering a 3-0 defeat and failing to register a shot on target, it seems that Maresca is still searching for a solution.
Despite a hefty £1.5bn investment since the Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly takeover nearly three years ago, a recent wave of injuries has left Chelsea’s squad severely depleted, particularly in the forward department.
So, how did they end up with no fully-fit strikers, and how can they address their attacking issues?
Over £1.5bn Spent – Where Are the Strikers?
Chelsea has signed numerous attacking players since the takeover, investing £445m in forwards. However, aside from the injured Nicolas Jackson, none have proven to be a reliable number nine.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was brought in for £12m under former manager Thomas Tuchel, but after the German coach was dismissed, the veteran striker was sidelined, never getting a chance to showcase his abilities. Aubameyang went on to find form at Marseille before moving to Saudi Arabia.
The only other central forwards signed were young prospects David Datro Fofana, Deivid Washington, and Marc Guiu, at a combined cost of £34m. However, none of them have shown they’re ready for the Premier League, let alone for a top club like Chelsea.
The bulk of the £445m went on wingers and attacking midfielders, including Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Cole Palmer – all players who are either wingers or play as number 10s.
Of these, only Palmer has consistently delivered, contributing to a league-high 39 goals in 2024 (26 goals and 13 assists).
Felix, whose loan fee from Atletico Madrid initially cost £10m, was later signed for £45m. He is currently loaned out to AC Milan.
What Forward Options Are Actually Available?
Jackson has been sidelined for about six weeks due to a hamstring injury, after sustaining the issue against West Ham two weeks ago. While there was initial hope that the injury wasn’t serious, scans confirmed a more severe problem.
19-year-old striker Guiu, who is yet to make a Premier League start, has also been ruled out with a groin injury sustained in the same match against West Ham. His return timeline remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Mudryk is currently suspended after allegedly testing positive for a banned substance.
To make matters worse, Noni Madueke appeared to injure his hamstring while assisting Palmer in the Brighton match, and he too is expected to be out for a while.
As a result, Chelsea’s final three fit senior forwards during the Brighton game were Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho. Academy winger Tyrique George was the only available attacking option off the bench. His passing map from the Brighton match shows how much he roamed across the forward line in an attempt to make an impact, but at times he seemed frustrated by his limited involvement.
“It’s not only Cole Palmer,” Maresca said when discussing the team’s lack of goals. “We are all in this together.”