Palmer was not 100% ready but he wanted to play this game against Manchester United, “It’s a problem for a long time for him, his groin” He will be out for …… Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca gives update on why Cole Palmer was Subbed off Yesterday

Chelsea’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford was marred by a calamitous first half, which ultimately culminated in a 2-1 defeat. The team’s strategy was thrown into disarray mere minutes into the match when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was dismissed for a foul on Bryan Mbeumo. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was compelled to make an early substitution, introducing replacement goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and reconfiguring his team’s formation.

Despite the adversity, Chelsea struggled to adapt to the loss of their goalkeeper, and Manchester United seized the opportunity. Bruno Fernandes scored the opening goal, and Casemiro doubled the lead before being sent off himself just before halftime. The tumultuous first half was historic, featuring two red cards, two goals, and three substitutions – a unprecedented occurrence in Premier League history.

Cole Palmer, who had been battling a groin injury, was forced off the field in the 21st minute, further exacerbating Chelsea’s plight. Maresca revealed that Palmer had been eager to participate despite the injury, but ultimately had to be substituted as his condition deteriorated. The team’s performance in the first half was lackluster, with Chalobah describing the start as the “worst 15 minutes” Chelsea has played this season.

In the second half, Chelsea managed to pull a goal back through Chalobah, but it was a mere consolation. Maresca acknowledged that the red card had thrown his team’s plans into chaos and expressed a preference for conceding a goal rather than losing their goalkeeper. The defeat leaves Chelsea sixth in the table, and the club will hope to avoid a prolonged absence for Palmer, who has been limited to just three starts in the season.