Liam Rosenior gives three word answer on Cole Palmer’s absence against Hull | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior revealed Cole Palmer missed Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Hull on Friday night due to his minutes being managed.

The Blues ran out 4-0 winners at the MKM Stadium to advance to the FA Cup fifth round, and give the perfect response after dropping points against Leeds in midweek.

Pedro Neto stole the show with a hat-trick, whilst Estevao also got himself on the scoresheet after missing a big opportunity in the first half.

Liam Rosenior on Cole Palmer absence against Hull City

As expected Rosenior made a number of changes to the side which started against Leeds, with Mamadou Sarr handed his first start since being recalled from Strasbourg.

Reece James also returned after missing the last three games, but both Trevoh Chalobah and Palmer were absent from the match day squad.

Palmer missed the game against Hull. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Palmer has been managing a groin injury this season, but appeared to be getting back to his best with four goals in his last two appearances.

However, the Blues didn’t need the England international to beat the Championship highfliers, and Rosenior gave a very simple answer when asked about his absence.

“Managing, Managing him,” he told his post-match press conference.

Palmer will almost certainly return to the starting line-up for Chelsea’s Premier League game against Burnley at Stamford Bridge next Saturday.

Timely return to form for Pedro Neto

In Palmer’s absence Neto occupied the central number ten role to great effect and put in a brilliant performance.

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With Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho deployed in the wide areas, Neto found great joy centrally and produced two lovely finishes.

It was a timely return to form for the Portuguese, who hadn’t scored since the previous round against Charlton, and it was the perfect response to the criticism he’s received recently.