Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca explained that Cole Palmer’s early withdrawal during the loss to Manchester United was down to fitness concerns, not Robert Sanchez’s red card.
The England midfielder was substituted inside the opening 20 minutes, sparking suggestions the change was a tactical response to Robert Sanchez‘ dismissal. However, Maresca dismissed that claim, revealing Palmer had been a doubt ahead of kick-off.
“Cole tried this morning, he had a test this morning to play this game, he was not 100 per cent fit,” Maresca said. “He made a fantastic effort to play, but after 20 minutes he started to feel something, so we decided to change him.”
Quick Hit: Maresca insists Palmer’s early exit was injury-related, not linked to Sanchez sending off.
