Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer ‘looks fine’ after being spotted limping down the tunnel after Chelsea’s win over Servette.
The Blues secured a 2-0 win in their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against the Swiss side at Stamford Bridge.
After a slow first half which saw Chelsea booed off at half time, a Christopher Nkunku penalty and Noni Madueke goal fired them to victory.
After the Blues went 1-0 up and Marc Guiu missed an open goal, Maresca made a triple substitution, taking Pedro Neto, Guiu, and Nkunku off for Madueke, Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.
But after helping his side to victory, Chelsea’s top scorer last season was seen clutching his hamstring and appearing to be in discomfort.
He headed off down the tunnel straight away at the final whistle, leaving fans concerned about his availability ahead of their clash against Wolves this Sunday.
“Cole felt something but he looks fine,” Maresca said after the game.
“They already checked him, he looks fine, okay and hopefully there’s not any problem and he can be available for Sunday’s game.”
Palmer bagged an impressive 27 goals and 15 assists for Chelsea in all competitions after signing from Manchester City last summer for £42.5million.
He also impressed for England at Euro 2024 this summer, scoring the Three Lions’ only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final.
And former Chelsea star Scott Minto was surprised by Maresca bringing on arguably his best attacking player in a first leg European clash.
Speaking on talkSPORT2’s commentary of the game, he said: “I’ve got to be honest, after a really poor first half where he could’ve made changes if he wanted to, the second half has been completely different.
“They go 1-0 up, two really good opportunities, you’re very much on top, and then you make a triple substitution?
“Clearly he wants to try to win this game, but this is the type of performance in the second half that we wanted from the start.
“I’m slightly surprised he made the substitution.
“He’s sending out a message that he wants to win this game and win this tie tonight if possible.”
News Summary:
- Enzo Maresca gives update on Cole Palmer after Chelsea talisman is spotted limping off pitch
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