Cole Palmer is top of the class as Chelsea give their squad a six-month test... but Enzo Maresca warns Blues to stop relying on England forward

Chelsea conducted a six-month physical test with their players last week which was won by Cole Palmer out of everyone else in the squad, but Enzo Maresca says it is unfair on the 22-year-old to think he is the ‘solution’ to their problems.

The Blues held the examinations at their training ground to gauge their squad’s levels compared to pre-season.

Though Palmer has not scored in the Premier League since January 14 or assisted since December 1, his manager is not concerned that he is lacking desire after being quizzed on the negative body language he has been showing amid their run of two wins in their last 10 games.

Maresca has now urged Palmer’s team-mates to stand up ahead of hosting Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and realise that the England star cannot save them every time they struggle.

Asked if Palmer trains harder when out of form, Maresca said: ‘Absolutely. I will tell you one detail that is very important. Every six or seven months, we do a physical test. We did one in pre-season, and we did one last week. He was the strongest one of all the squad.

‘He was the one that “won” the test. It was a physical test. It shows his desire. Not only on the ball. He is working hard and he is doing fantastic.

Cole Palmer hasn't scored in the league since January 14 or assisted since December 1

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Palmer is working as hard as ever in training

Palmer and his Chelsea team-mates are gearing up for Tuesday's visit of Southampton

'In this moment, because everyone relies on Cole, people see in Cole the solution, but the solution always has to be the team.’

Maresca added he is not concerned that Palmer will be unhappy at Chelsea if they fail to secure Champions League football for another season.

'First of all, we need to see how we finish,’ he said. ‘And then in case we don't finish in the top four, we'll see if Cole is happy or not happy.

‘I don't think that Cole is worried in this moment about next year that he wants to play in the Champions League. Cole is just focused on how he can help the team.’