Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed concerns over Cole Palmer’s injury status following the team’s 2-0 victory against Servette in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. Despite not starting the match, Palmer made an appearance as a second-half substitute but seemed to experience discomfort, holding his right hamstring as he exited the pitch after the final whistle.
Given Palmer’s significant contributions last season—scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 33 Premier League games—any potential injury could be a substantial blow for Chelsea.
In the post-match press conference, Maresca was quick to downplay any fears about Palmer’s condition. The Italian coach remained calm and assured that there was no major cause for concern. “Cole felt something, but he looks fine,” Maresca stated. He added that he hoped Palmer would be available for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Wolves on Sunday, indicating that the injury might not be serious.
The match against Servette was a somewhat uneven display from Chelsea, a team still in the process of finding its identity under Maresca’s new management. Although the Blues secured a 2-0 win, the performance revealed a team that is still trying to settle into a rhythm and understand its strengths under their new manager.
Chelsea created several scoring opportunities but also appeared vulnerable defensively, suggesting that the game could have had a very different outcome on another night.
Maresca acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that the team is still learning how to control matches effectively. “We are learning how to manage the game,” he explained. The manager pointed out that while maintaining possession with a 2-0 lead was the right approach, the team needs to focus on doing so in the opposition’s half rather than retreating too much into their own.
He also highlighted the importance of securing a win with nine changes in the lineup, recognizing the positives from the game while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done.
This win marked a crucial moment for Chelsea, not only in terms of progressing in the UEFA Conference League but also in getting their season back on track after losing their Premier League opener the previous weekend. The victory against Servette was the first under Maresca’s tenure, signaling the beginning of what the club hopes will be a successful era under his leadership.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces a busy schedule. They will travel to Switzerland next week for the second leg against Servette, with a place in the Conference League group stage on the line. However, before that, they must contend with a challenging Premier League fixture against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday.
Maresca’s remarks indicate that while the team is still a work in progress, there is cautious optimism as they navigate these early-season tests. Although it is only August, the demands of the football calendar are already starting to intensify, and Chelsea will need to adapt quickly to maintain their momentum across multiple competitions.
