Cole Palmer was left frustrated on Saturday evening during Chelsea's clash at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League
19:16, 27 Dec 2025Updated 19:24, 27 Dec 2025
Cole Palmer walks after being substituted.
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Cole Palmer wasn't a happy man after being subbed off by Enzo Maresca.(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea star Cole Palmer left the pitch in frustration at Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute him during Saturday's clash against Aston Villa. The England international was replaced by Estevao Willian in the 74th minute at Stamford Bridge with the score at 1-1.
Palmer went on to have words with Blues assistant manager Willy Caballero, with manager Enzo Maresca serving a touchline ban in the stands. The Blues attacker was deemed ready for 90 minutes by Maresca before the match, but was taken off with around 15 minutes of regulation time remaining.
The 23-year-old has grappled with several injuries this season, but returned from the sidelines against Unai Emery's side this weekend. The Englishman sustained a groin injury in September, which resulted in him missing matches for the Blues across all competitions.
Further complications arose when he suffered a broken toe in November, sidelining him for another two fixtures. In the subsequent weeks, Palmer has been striving to regain full fitness, participating in Chelsea's match against Newcastle United earlier this month for 79 minutes.
But despite playing a chunk of Saturday's game against Villa - Palmer's reaction to coming off in the second half was a decision he clearly disagreed with.
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Speaking pre-match, Maresca said: "I think he's ready for 90 minutes, yeah. The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70.
"He already played one hour against, I think, Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle, so I think the progression is there."
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