Chelsea did not get off to the best start in the Premier League this season, but in the following match, they showed why they are the World Champions. Despite conceding a goal early, the Blues prevailed in a one-sided 5-1 win against West Ham United at London Stadium. There were five different goalscorers as well in the form of Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah.
However, Chelsea suffered a major setback just before the match, when their star player Cole Palmer was pulled from the starting line-up moments before kick-off. He was replaced by the eventual player of the match, Estevao.
Enzo Maresca explained what had happened and revealed the problem Palmer has. And it is still unclear what the extent of his issue is and how long he could be out for, which is a worry for Chelsea.
As reported by Chelsea's official website, Maresca said about the matter:
"Cole in the last four or five days was not one hundred per cent.
‘Today he tried in the warm-up, but he felt something, so we preferred not to take any risks and make it worse, and we will see in the next hours if it’s something important or not.
‘It’s a groin problem. It’s already the Palace game he was not one hundred per cent for, but he has tried to make a big effort for the club, for the team, for the fans, because he is really keen about the team. Tonight he tried again but it was not very good."
Worrying Chelsea injury update on Cole Palmer injury
With a tally of 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 appearances it's only natural that a player like Palmer's presence or absence on the field could significantly change a game's dynamics. He is a talent that can transform a match in an instant. Despite his absence, Chelsea exhibited their strength, and were able to get a win against their former manager, Graham Potter.
On top of that, there were five different goalscorers. Estevao did not score, but he did become the youngest player ever to register an assist for Chelsea in the Premier League when he assisted Fernandez for their third goal of the game.
It remains to be seen how serious Palmer's injury is and whether he will play in Chelsea's next match against Fulham on August 30. However, Maresca should not hurry him back into action because the Blues will have a two-week international break following the West London derby, giving them time to monitor his recovery.