Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has eased injury concerns over Cole Palmer after the Blues star was seen leaving the pitch in some discomfort following the Europa Conference League play-off clash against Servette.
Palmer was named among the substitutes for Thursday’s first leg clash at Stamford Bridge but was part of the group warming up at half-time after a woeful first-half display from the home side.
Christopher Nkunku settled the nerves after converting a penalty after 50 minutes with Palmer one of three changes made after 58 minutes, coming onto replace Marc Guiu with Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez also brought on.
Fernandez provided the superb assist for Madueke to seal a 2-0 win but there was concern for Palmer at full-time.
The England international was seen clutching his right hamstring as he left the pitch, approached by head coach Maresca on the touchline before heading straight down the tunnel.
Chelsea face a quick turnaround with a trip to Wolves looming on Sunday.
But speaking after Thursday’s win, Maresca offered a positive update on Palmer and is hopeful he will be fit for the trip to Molineux.
‘Cole felt something but it looks fine,’ the Chelsea boss told a post-match press conference.
‘They already checked and it looks fine so hopefully there is no problem and he can be available for Sunday’s game.’
Palmer was Chelsea’s shining light in an otherwise disappointing 2023-24 season – his first for the club after arriving from Manchester City.
The England international scored 27 times for his new club and was this week crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year following that sublime campaign.
Chelsea lost their opening game of the Premier League season last Sunday to Manchester City, the start of what has been a chaotic week for the club.
Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have been told they are not part of Maresca’s plans this season with both expected to leave west London before next week’s transfer deadline.
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