Enzo Maresca has revealed he’s waiting for an update on Cole Palmer following a nasty challenge from Lisandro Martinez, but was hopeful it wasn’t anything serious.
The Blues missed the chance to go third in the league following a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, meaning they still haven’t won at the famous ground since 2013.
The point moves Maresca’s men into the top four, but they had Moises Caicedo to thank as the midfielder equalised with a brilliant volley, after Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead from the penalty spot.
Maresca hopeful Palmer will be fine
Maresca reverted back to his strongest team having made 11 changes for the Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle last Wednesday.
With the starting team fully rested, the Italian would likely have expected more, with the first half especially underwhelming.
Things did improve in the second half, but Chelsea really lacked quality in the attacking third, despite the stars they have in their ranks, although Maresca insisted afterwards he was happy with the performance.
Pedro Neto was arguably Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker, whilst Palmer had a quiet game and wasn’t able to have his usual influence.
It could have been much worse for the Blues with Palmer on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Martinez, which could have badly injured him and the United defender was very fortunate not to be sent off.
Speaking after the game Maresca offered an update on Palmer and also criticised the referee for not sending the Argentine off.
“He was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now,” he told his post match press conference.
“Hopefully it is nothing important and then I know you are going to ask me about the referee’s decision. They showed me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision.”
Palmer will have the night off on Thursday against Noah in the Conference League, but the Blues will be hoping he’s fully fit and ready to go ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal.