Cole Palmer Substituted After Robert Sanchez Red Card: Reason Explained
- Enzo Maresca’s choice to withdraw Cole Palmer during Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United left supporters and pundits baffled
- The Blues lacked creativity in attack and slipped to a second defeat in just three days without their talisman
- It has now emerged, however, that there was a deeper reason behind the manager’s surprising call
Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford took a dramatic turn on Saturday when Cole Palmer was forced off just 21 minutes into the game, leaving fans stunned and worried about the star man’s fitness.
The 23-year-old, who is facing a lawsuit from a French wine company, had barely settled into the match before he pulled up clutching his thigh.
Source: Getty Images
Why was Cole Palmer substituted after Sanchez's red card
The substitution initially sparked confusion and criticism, but it has since been revealed that the forward aggravated a groin problem that had been troubling him since the Bayern fixture, according to Goal.
Before being hurled off, Palmer, one of the best playmakers in the game, threw his head back in frustration, signalled to the bench, and stormed straight down the tunnel after. He was replaced by Andrey Santos.
Though he eventually returned with ice strapped to his legs, his visible anger told the story of both pain and disappointment.
The evening had already started disastrously for Chelsea. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the fifth minute after a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo, forcing Enzo Maresca into a quick reshuffle.
Brazilian wonderkid Estevao made way for backup keeper Filip Jorgensen, while Tosin Adarabioyo replaced Pedro Neto in defence.
With the visitors still adjusting, Bruno Fernandes struck in the 14th minute to give United the lead.
Palmer’s withdrawal followed just seven minutes later, leaving many Blues supporters questioning Maresca’s decision.
Source: Getty Images
The tactical confusion and immediate anger that greeted the Englishman's substitution gave way to calm after news broke that Palmer’s substitution was injury-related.
United sensed weakness and pounced again. Casemiro doubled the lead in the 37th minute before being sent off himself for two bookings shortly before the interval.
Trevoh Chalobah managed to halve the deficit late in the game to set the cat among the pigeons, but United held on to seal a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Blues.
Watch Chalobah's consolation:
How long could Palmer be out?
Palmer, who has quickly become Chelsea’s creative heartbeat, faces an anxious wait on the severity of his groin strain.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, recovery depends on the grade of the injury. A mild strain can heal within two to three weeks, while a moderate one might take up to eight weeks.
Severe cases can sideline players for several months and, in extreme situations, may even require surgery.
Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, and guided rehabilitation.
For Chelsea, the hope will be that their talisman avoids a long absence, as his influence has been central to Maresca’s system since the start of the season.
For now, fans will have to hold their breath as the medical team assesses the damage.
What’s certain is that losing Palmer for any length of time would be a massive setback for the Blues in their campaign, as the ensuing weeks come with a pack of fixtures.
Chelsea's UCL hopes in jeopardy?
In a separate report, YEN.com.gh revealed why Chelsea’s Champions League hopes were in jeopardy despite their current fifth-place standing in the Premier League.
The real hurdle came from ownership complications, as the club’s parent company, BlueCo, also holds a majority stake in French outfit Strasbourg.
Source: YEN.com.gh
