Maresca has already insinuated to change his tactics for the game in Brighton due to Nkunku’s struggles playing in advance.
The International of France has been in a poor way and has scored only one goal in 11 games in all competitions.
He chose to remove Nkunku from the number nine position, where he fought on the FA Cup with Brighton six days ago, exchanging positions effectively with Palmer.
But the new game plan was interrupted by the injury to Madueke, which left Chelsea with just a net player who could run behind.
As a result, visitors stayed with a lot of ball, but without a real goal threat.
They completed 648 passes and had a possession of 69.4% in the Amex stadium, but could not force Brighton Bart Verbruggen goalkeeper to a salvation.
Speaking after the game, Maresca told BBC Sport: “It is difficult when you don’t have an adequate number. In the last third we fight doing things that until one or two weeks ago we were doing well.
“This is the worst time since I arrived, but we are still there and we have to end in the best way.”
It was a similar story in that FA Cup game, with the blues again dominating possession and completing more passes than their opponents, but on that occasion he only has an opportunity in white.
Chelsea’s best hope is to find a way to improve Nkunku’s level, but without hurting Palmer, who is also beginning to decrease after his excellent association with Jackson has been interrupted.
Anyway, in reality, since all the money spent Maresca is simply less options.
