Maresca: Palmer not fully fit before start vs. Utd

 Chelsea’s interim head coach Enzo Maresca disclosed on Saturday that England forward Cole Palmer was not at full fitness before starting in Chelsea’s Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, despite the player’s determined effort to feature.

Palmer, who was substituted after just 20 minutes, had been carrying a groin issue leading into the game. Chelsea went into the match with a numerical disadvantage following goalkeeper Robert Sánchez’s early red card and fell behind due to Bruno Fernandes’ opening goal. Maresca confirmed that Palmer had undergone a fitness test on match day morning and was allowed to play amid concerns over his readiness.

“He trained this morning, he had a test this morning to play this game,” Maresca said post-match. “He was not 100% fit. He made a fantastic effort to play this game, but he was not 100%.”

The decision to play Palmer reflected the club’s need to field their best available attacking options despite fitness doubts, given their depleted squad due to the early dismissal. The young forward, noted for his agility and forward runs, showed commitment to making himself available, though the injury curtailed his impact in what was a challenging tactical scenario for Chelsea.

This situation highlights Chelsea’s ongoing issues with squad depth and injury management as they navigate a demanding fixture schedule. For Palmer, a promising talent with a growing reputation for creativity and finishing, this setback will prompt careful management to ensure full recovery for future matches. From a strategic perspective, Maresca’s choice underscores the balancing act coaches face between risking player fitness and fielding competitive lineups against top Premier League opposition.