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Who will provide Chelsea's Champions League spark in the absence of Cole Palmer?
Chelsea resume their Champions League on Matchday Three as they host Dutch giants Ajax at Stamford Bridge, looking to make it back-to-back wins in the competition following the victory over Benfica earlier this month.
However, Enzo Maresca's side will have to do it without the services of Cole Palmer, who's been ruled out for six weeks with a persistent groin injury.
It's the England man who the Blues often look to, to provide that bit of inspiration in these European encounters, but in his absence, which Chelsea star can be their game-changer?
Joao Pedro
The Brazilian made an instant impact on Chelsea upon his arrival in the summer, signing just in time to play in the FIFA Club World Cup and playing a massive part in helping the club win that competition.
He scored three times in the States and quickly opened his Premier League account for the Blues, netting in back-to-back games in August.
However, the goals have since dried up, despite being Maresca's first choice frontman in the absence of injured Liam Delap.
Pedro would prefer to play off a number nine, and that's where Chelsea could get more joy from the former Brighton man, but until they have an adequate replacement as the frontman in the manager's attack, it looks like that's where he's staying.
(C)Getty Images
Estevao
Chelsea fans have already got the feels from this teenage Brazilian, who hasn't taken long to make an impression at Stamford Bridge.
He began life in West London with an assist in the Blues' first win of the season over West Ham and as he's been given more minutes, his impact on the team has grown.
At 18, the forward is still raw, but the potential is for all to see, and he shows no sign of being overhauled by the big occasion.
His stoppage-time winner against Liverpool is already one of the moments of the season and with Palmer out, he could provide plenty more given the chance.
Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Jamie Gittens
The England U21 star has yet to really provide a moment in a Chelsea shirt since moving back to England from Borussia Dortmund over the summer.
Eight games have yet to yield a goal or an assist from the wideman, but in fairness, he's only started two of those and in the Champions League has had to settle for just 30 minutes so far against Benfica.
With Palmer being out, the manager can shuffle his attacking pack and it might be the chance for Gittens to finally show what he can do, and why the Blues were ready to let Noni Madueke go because they had more faith in their new arrival.
@jbgittens
Alejandro Garnacho
We know all about Garnacho's quality who was Manchester United's go-to guy on many occasions since his breakthrough into the first team.
After arriving on deadline day, the Argentine is still getting settled in the capital and has only made two starts in his six appearances for the club so far.
There's no doubt he could step up to the plate and provide the same kind of magic that Palmer does, if he's given the opportunity.
It's only the consistency that the 21-year-old needs to add to his game to move up to the next level.
Chelsea
How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99, while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high-definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, offering differing selections of sports in each. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
