Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that the return of Cole Palmer from injury was the “only good news” following the team’s shock 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday evening, according to a report from Goal.
The loss brought Chelsea’s seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions to an end, with Maresca’s side playing catch-up for much of the game.
However, the introduction of England international Palmer marked a significant positive, as he featured for the first time since the away trip to Manchester United in September.
Speaking after the match, Maresca praised the return of his number 10 despite the disappointing result. He stated:
“Probably it’s the only good news of the night. I’m happy for him, he’s back, now he needs to build a little bit the physical condition and he will be important for us, for sure.”
The Italian coach confirmed that Palmer, though available, is not yet fit enough to play a full match.
“He’s getting better, but he needs to play minutes. Last night he had more-or-less half-an-hour, hopefully we can give him more in the next game,” Maresca added.
Another positive on the night was the performance of substitute Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger, who came on at half-time, scored just five minutes later.
This strike was his fifth Premier League goal of the season, matching his best tally in a single campaign, previously achieved with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020/21.
The Blues will now look to reset ahead of their next Premier League fixture away to Bournemouth in two days’ time.