Overview

• Enzo Maresca said pre‑match that Cole Palmer was okay to face Manchester United following groin concerns from midweek.
• Palmer started at Old Trafford but was substituted before the 20‑minute mark and walked down the tunnel, with no official medical update issued yet.
• Broadcast observers noted he appeared uncomfortable, raising fresh questions over a groin problem that has been managed since the season’s start.
• The 23‑year‑old had recently scored off the bench against Brentford and netted against Bayern Munich in his 100th Chelsea appearance, taking his club tally to 45 goals.
• Chelsea’s options remain stretched with Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo out, Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile still doubts, and Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable.