‘Not very good’ - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer injury update

Chelsea recorded their first Premier League win of the 2025-26 season on Friday night, dispatching London rivals West Ham United 5-1 in an impressive showing by the Blues.

Enzo Maresca’s men are unbeaten in their first two Premier League games this season, with the big win at the London Stadium following an opening day 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

The Italian has plenty of options in attack after Chelsea signed Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap in the summer – but a pre-match injury to Cole Palmer will have the Blues fans worried.

The England international dropped out in the warm-up, meaning Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian started in his place for Chelsea.

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Chelsea boss Maresca was asked about Palmer’s injury in his post-match press conference, with the Stamford Bridge coach admitting the creative midfielder had been struggling with a groin complaint.

“Palace game, he was not 100% but he tried to make a big effort for the club, the fans and the team. He tried tonight but it was not very good,” the Chelsea boss said, as per Football London.

“Cole in the last four or five days was not 100%. He tried the warm-up but he felt something.

“We preferred not to take any risks. We will see if it’s something important or not.”

Chelsea fans will face a nervous wait to see the extent of Palmer’s latest setback, with the England international a key player in the London club’s quest for silverware this season.

Delap and Pedro partnership a silver lining

Estevao being given a chance to play will have excited the travelling Chelsea support, with the teenage South American providing an assist and looking lively in the convincing win.

However, Maresca’s decision to partner Pedro and Delap in attack will be the main positive from the Blues’ victory.

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Pedro started in the number nine role for Chelsea in the draw with Palace, but looked more comfortable in a supporting capacity against West Ham as Delap led the line.

The former Brighton man’s versatility will be a real boost for Maresca this season, with Pedro able to play across the forward line.

It certainly would have been interesting to see how Chelsea accommodated Delap, Pedro and Palmer all in the same starting XI.

However, while Palmer fights to get back to fitness, the partnership between Pedro and Delap will be asked to carry the goalscoring burden – something they seem well equipped to do.

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