Cole Palmer was removed as a “precaution” from Chelsea’s Starting XI prior to the Friday night clash. British International was set to start as a world champion, but at the very end it was replaced by teenage Wonder Kid Estebao.
Sky Sports provided an update early in the match, and Enzo Maresca believed that during the warm-up, a delayed change had come after Palmer “feeled something.” Maresca is said to have maintained his internal organs when he was pushed to the extent of his suspected injury, but it was quickly confirmed that he had nothing to do with the illness.
Questions have been raised at London Stadium. TV cameras left Palmer warming up early, with members of Chelsea’s backroom staff immediately following behind. Palmer was taking part in a complete warm-up, but was visibly unhappy as he flew around the pitch. It was quickly confirmed that the British picked up a knock and failed to start the match as intended.
Maresca revealed how the club’s preparations for a new season were shaking due to the exploitation at the Club World Cup. Commenting on pre-season shortening, he said last week, “We didn’t do physical testing. We didn’t have time to do this kind of thing. We didn’t have time! When I was a player, my preseason was long, 40 days and a month.
He went on to explain how Chelsea had to find a way to operate without Palmer. “I joined the club and I said it wasn’t fair, so putting all the pressure on Cole is not right.
If Palmer’s injury proves to be serious, the theory can be tested. The next two European champions will be a visit to Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
The match began in the worst way for Chelsea, with Lucas Paketa netting a stunning opener from the best of 25 yards just six minutes later. Chelsea’s frustration seemed to roll from the opening day stalemate with Crystal Palace, but they quickly equalized when Joan Pedro nodded from close range.
Niclas Fullkrug thought he would soon bring West Ham back first, but a tight Var check dominated the goal. However, it was West Ham who was licking their wounds, with the Maresca man scoring two quickfire goals. First, through Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez rose 3-1 over Chelsea, while Palmer’s alternative Estevao provided an equalizer.
