Enzo Maresca Shares Concerns Over Chelsea Star’s Injury Woes

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is dealing with a long-term groin injury, forcing him off in the first half against Chelsea.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cole Palmer‘s injury problems continue to mount. After being named in the starting eleven despite not being fully fit, the young midfielder felt discomfort in his groin after shooting at goal in the 21st minute against Manchester United. Maresca explains that his injury has been a problem “for a long time” and says he appreciated Palmer’s willingness to play.

WHY WAS PALMER SUBSTITUTED?

After the injury was rediscovered, Palmer realised he was unable to continue and sat on the pitch in the 19th minute, requesting to be substituted. Andrey Santos replaced the England international as his side went on to lose 2-1 at Old Trafford.

WHAT HAS MARESCA SAID?

Maresca said after his side’s victory: “With Cole [Palmer], he felt something again. Already long ago, he had the same problem. The problem he has, that is difficult to fix. Sometimes it is not there and sometimes it’s back. Already today before the game, I knew that he had some discomfort with the groin. I am sorry for him but at the same time, he likes to play football and this is a good thing.” He continued: “Even like this, he pushed to be involved in a good move. At the end, it was only 20 minutes but for me, the most important thing is that for a player like him and when you play in important clubs, even if you have a pain, you play. At the end, he asks for the substitution, but at least he tried until a certain point.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cole Palmer has become one of Chelsea‘s most important players this season. The former Manchester City player has scored 37 Premier League goals and provided 19 assists in his first two seasons at Chelsea. Recently, he has played a crucial role in helping the Blues stay right in the hunt for a European spot next season. As it stands, Chelsea occupy sixth place in the Premier League only one point ahead of Manchester United.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues will next host Brighton in a league clash after a midweek Carabao Cup match against Lincoln as they try to recover from the three winless matches they have played recently.