Cole Palmer suffers worrying injury just minutes before Chelsea’s clash with West Ham
Chelsea have been dealt a major blow in their Premier League clash against West Ham, with Cole Palmer forced to withdraw through injury.
The Blues are looking to kick-start their campaign following a disappointing goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace on the opening day.
Palmer is key to Chelsea‘s hopes of continued success this season, having registered 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 appearances for the club to date.
However, Enzo Maresca‘s side will have to do without the England international on Friday night.
Cole Palmer withdraws through injury
Palmer was initially named in the starting line-up at the London Stadium, but doubts emerged as the attacking midfielder was spotted leaving the warm-up early with a member of Chelsea’s staff.
“We don’t know the details. I was watching him in the warm-up and he wasn’t striking the ball with his normal ferocious style,” former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“Something isn’t quite right. We will see. If he isn’t playing, Graham Potter will be the happiest man in this stadium.”
Shortly after, it was confirmed that Palmer withdrew from the Chelsea line-up due to an injury — the nature of which remains unclear — with Brazilian winger Estevano Willian replacing him in the side.
Chelsea posted a short statement about the line-up change on their official X account, but gave no indication as to the reason.
Chelsea recover from Palmer absence
Chelsea fans were already feeling downright miserable following the news that their talisman was ruled out of this London derby.
But things got much worse very quickly as the Blues went 1-0 down after just six minutes to a Lucas Paqueta thunderbolt.
It was a stunning strike from the Brazilian midfielder, but Maresca will be fuming that nobody closed him down quickly enough, while fingers will be pointed at goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for not getting across to the effort.
“It’s a bolt from the blue!” said Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith, adding: “It opened up for him, but you are asking how has that beaten Sanchez? The goalkeeper should have done better.”
Thankfully, Chelsea were able to equalise just nine minutes later through summer signing Joao Pedro, before another West Ham goal from Niclas Fullkrug was ruled out by VAR for offside in a breathless opening sequence.
On 23 minutes, things got even better for Chelsea as they closed down a lethargic West Ham on the edge of their own box, with Joao Pedro finding Pedro Neto at the far post for an easy finish to put the visitors in front.