Enzo Maresca has just revealed the terrible news behind why Cole Palmer was substituted in the 20th minute of the first half against Manchester United.
Enzo Maresca has just revealed the terrible news behind why Cole Palmer was substituted in the 20th minute of the first half against Manchester United.
Premier League
Enzo Maresca has just revealed the terrible news behind why Cole Palmer was substituted in the 20th minute of the first half against Manchester United.
Maresca’s Crushing News: Palmer’s Groin Injury Resurfaces in United Clash – Chelsea’s Star Faces Uncertain Layoff
MANCHESTER, England — Enzo Maresca delivered a gut-punch to Chelsea fans in his post-match press conference at Old Trafford, revealing that Cole Palmer’s shock 20th-minute exit during Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United was due to a recurring groin injury that could sideline the 23-year-old talisman for an estimated four to six weeks. The Italian manager, visibly shaken despite the historic win—Chelsea’s first at United since 2018—described the setback as “devastating,” noting that Palmer felt a sharp pain during a routine turn in a chaotic opening that also saw goalkeeper Robert Sánchez sent off in the fifth minute. As the Blues celebrate a gritty 10-man triumph, the loss of their creative heartbeat threatens to derail their Champions League and top-four ambitions, with Maresca’s somber update casting a long shadow over a night of defiance.
The match was a maelstrom from the outset, etching a Premier League record for the fastest triple substitution in a single game. Sánchez’s reckless challenge on United’s Bryan Mbeumo just outside the penalty area—a denial of a goalscoring opportunity confirmed by VAR—forced Maresca to act decisively. Filip Jørgensen took over in goal, Tosin Adarabioyo shored up the defense, and Palmer was replaced by Andrey Santos, with Pedro Neto also withdrawn. Palmer’s departure was the most alarming: the England star, back in the starting lineup after missing two pre-international break games due to the same groin issue, had barely made an impact—logging just 10 touches and one key pass—when he clutched his right groin after a pivot near the center circle. A brief, tense exchange with Maresca followed, and a grimace shared with United’s Kobbie Mainoo, his Three Lions teammate on the sideline, preceded his slow exit to jeers from the home crowd.
It’s the same groin problem from August,” Maresca told Sky Sports, his hands clenched as he spoke. “Cole felt it go on that turn—no contact, just a tweak. Early signs point to a grade-two strain, likely four to six weeks out, but scans tomorrow will confirm. It’s a huge blow—he’s our spark, our leader.” Palmer, who shone in Chelsea’s midweek 3-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich with a stunning 38th-minute equalizer, had been deemed fit after full training. The injury, first triggered in pre-season warm-ups before a West Ham clash, forced him to miss key matches and now threatens
