Chelsea lack their ‘heartbeat’ as Joe Cole issues worrying verdict before Liverpool clash

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Chelsea are currently preparing to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, but Joe Cole has issued a worrying verdict for the Blues ahead of kick-off.

Enzo Maresca’s men ended their three-match run without a win in midweek by defeating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica. Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered a defeat against Galatasaray.

Due to their midweek results, both teams will be heading into this game with different levels of confidence, but Chelsea can shrink the gap between them to just four points with a win on Saturday.

This is the final match before the upcoming international break, and both teams will want to build some momentum, but Cole believes Chelsea are missing the “heartbeat” of the squad.

Joe Cole believes Cole Palmer is the ‘heartbeat’ of the Chelsea team

Chelsea will be without one of their biggest attacking threats against Liverpool as Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin problem that has been plaguing his season.

During his appearance on TNT Sports for Chelsea’s win against Benfica, Cole revealed the impact that Palmer has on the team, and what a blow it is for the Blues not to have him available.

“What a player he is. Him missing out of this team, you’d feel it, everything comes through him. He is the heartbeat and the personality of this team.

“Everything goes through him, and he’s one of those players in crucial moments, they look for him. Everyone can walk and talk when things are going well and you’re beating teams three and four here.

“But when you’re losing to Brighton, when you’re away to Bayern Munich, that’s when I look at players and go, who wants it?”

Palmer has made several appearances this season, and even though he hasn’t been fully fit, the playmaker has had a positive impact on the team.

However, Maresca will have to play someone else in the number 10 role against Liverpool, with Facundo Buonanotte taking up the role in midweek.

Liverpool will also be missing key players due to injuries

It isn’t just Chelsea who will be without a key player during this weekend’s Premier League clash, as Liverpool are set to be without several first-team squad members.

Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash saw Arne Slot handed a double injury blow as Hugo Ekitike suffered a hamstring issue.

The striker overextended to try to get the ball and ended up tweaking his muscle, which will give him the chance to continue his impressive start to the season this weekend.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Liverpool will also be without Alisson Becker, who also sustained an injury against Galatasaray.

Slot has already confirmed that his first-choice goalkeeper will not feature against Chelsea after he had to be replaced in the second half.