Enzo Maresca explains Cole Palmer absence as Chelsea beat West Ham 5-1 | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that talisman Cole Palmer had a groin problem as the Blues warmed up to face West Ham United in the derby yesterday.

Maresca also revealed that the Chelsea no. 10 had not been at full strength coming into the game, but decided to soldier on for the West London outfit.

Following Chelsea’s 5-1 win over West Ham, which temporarily sent the Blues to the top of the Premier League table, Maresca delivered a worrying update on Palmer.

Maresca said (via Football London), Cole, in the last four or five days, was not 100%. He tried the warm-up, but he felt something.

“We preferred not to take any risks. We will see if it’s something important or not.”

Asked what the issue was, the Italian tactician said, “Groin. In the Palace game, he was not 100%, but he tried to make a big effort for the club, the fans and the team.

“He tried tonight, but it was not very good.”

The groin problem could explain Palmer’s subdued performance against Palace in the Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge. He had a surprisingly quiet outing.

Still, Chelsea managed without him versus West Ham. His replacement, Estevao Willian, became the youngest player to provide a Premier League assist for the Blues.

Now, Chelsea are sweating on Palmer’s fitness, hoping to have him back for the clash with Fulham on Saturday before the first international break.

If Palmer remains injured, Joao Pedro showed he can deliver the goods in the attacking midfield role after a terrific performance in that position versus West Ham.

He scored the equaliser to bring Chelsea back in the game and provided two assists for Pedro Neto and Trevoh Chalobah, to continue his fine start to life at the club.

The Blues are also close to signing Xavi Simons, who could join before the game and feature in the position.