Enzo Maresca Confirms Major Chelsea Injury Blow After Man United Defeat | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Injury Concerns Deepen as Cole Palmer Exits Early

Chelsea’s hopes of finding rhythm under Enzo Maresca suffered another setback at Old Trafford as Cole Palmer was forced off after just 20 minutes of their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. The England international has been carrying a groin issue since pre-season and, despite a determined effort to play, had to be withdrawn as discomfort returned.

Palmer’s Effort and Maresca’s Dilemma

“He (Palmer) tried this morning. He had a test this morning to play this game,” Maresca explained after the defeat. “He was not 100 per cent fit. He made a fantastic effort to play this game, but he was not 100 per cent. It’s a problem that is already a long time for him, his groin. Again, he did this morning a test. He wants to play this game for the team, to be close. So the effort has been huge from him. But then, after 20 minutes, he started to feel something, so we decided to change it.”

Palmer’s importance to Chelsea cannot be overstated. Since joining from Manchester City, he has emerged as their most creative spark, delivering goals and vision from midfield. His return last week brought a goal in the 2-2 draw at Brentford, but his early exit here left Chelsea struggling to knit attacks together. Andrey Santos was introduced, but the momentum swung heavily in United’s favour.

Photo: IMAGO

Sanchez Red Card Compounds Chelsea’s Struggles

Maresca’s team were under pressure from the opening whistle, and their task became even harder when Robert Sanchez was dismissed in the fifth minute. The goalkeeper was sent off after fouling Bryan Mbeumo when the United winger was through on goal.

Maresca was pragmatic about the decision. “Probably it is the best solution, because we still have 95 minutes to play,” he admitted. “I think even Robert is aware of that. But also, it is difficult because he has to take a decision in one or two seconds. But, for sure, if you ask me, I prefer to be 1-0 down after three minutes, then one player down after three minutes.”

Playing almost the entire match with ten men left Chelsea chasing shadows. Without Palmer, they lacked the guile to create clear openings and ultimately fell to a defeat that leaves questions about squad depth and rotation as fixtures pile up.

Maresca’s Next Step

Chelsea’s medical staff will now assess Palmer’s groin problem carefully, as Maresca cannot afford to be without him for long. The manager’s system relies heavily on a midfielder who can link play, press intelligently, and finish chances. Palmer has been that figure all season, and Chelsea’s hopes of pushing up the table will depend on keeping him fit.

Maresca’s frustration was clear post-match, but his willingness to praise Palmer’s commitment highlights the trust he places in the 23-year-old. “The effort has been huge from him,” Maresca repeated, underlining the player’s determination to help the team despite not being fully fit.