Chelsea handed major Cole Palmer injury blow as details emerge vs Man United
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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Sat 20 September 2025 18:24, UK
Enzo Maresca’s night went from bad to worse after Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez was given his marching orders against Man United.
Alejandro Garnacho had the chance to start against Man United after departing Old Trafford during the summer, but that opportunity was quickly squashed after the goalkeeper brought down Bryan Mbeumo.
What ensued was two substitutions, just seven minutes into the game, and Bruno Fernandes netted his 100th goal in United colours just eight minutes later to really rub salt into the wounds on Saturday, 20 September.
Ruben Amorim is under huge pressure at Man United, so for everything to go so wrong for his opponents would have been a relief, and so would Maresca’s decision to replace Cole Palmer with Andrey Santos.
Sadly for the Blues, it could be more than just a tactical change by the manager, but not all was over after Casemiro was also sent off in the first half.
Supporters were stunned to see Palmer subbed off so early in the game, and as the player walked down the touchline towards the tunnel, Pat Nevin suggested something more serious.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (20 September, 5:53pm), Nevin said: “You probably never take Cole Palmer off if you can help it.
He is not walking right, and he is walking back to the dressing room.
“He’s had injuries already this season, and he pointed towards his left thigh,” after missing games against West Ham and Fulham last month, before returning as a substitute against Brentford.
With 15 goals and 11 assists last season, there is no doubt that Palmer is the centre piece of Chelsea’s team, especially in the final third, and Maresca will fear the idea of being without him once again.
While the Blues have clearly missed the forward’s presence on the pitch this season, his injury record is almost flawless since he arrived from Man City two summers ago.
He has played 100 appearances in that time, notching 45 goals and 28 assists, becoming one of the most important players to feature for the club for several years.
Palmer returned to the field against Brentford, scoring during the 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, but if Nevin’s comments are true, Maresca might have pushed him too far too quickly.
That would be a humungous blow for the Blues, even more so than a defeat to the Red Devils, but it is only speculation for now until the manager comments on the situation after full-time.