talksport.com

Cole Palmer withdrawn from Chelsea line-up minutes before kick-off in major Maresca blow

Chelsea have been dealt a bitter blow just minutes before kick-off against West Ham United.

Cole Palmer, their talismanic midfielder, will play no part.

Palmer has pulled out Chelsea's line-up to face West Ham

2

Palmer has pulled out Chelsea's line-up to face West HamCredit: Sky Sports

Teenage talent Estevao was thrust into the starting line-up in Palmer's place.

The England international pulled out of the Blues' warm-up at the London Stadium and cut a dejected figure as he walked down the tunnel.

No explanation has been provided behind Palmer's late withdrawal.

talkSPORT's Danny Murphy reacts to Palmer's absence

talkSPORT pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said: "That's only happened to me once or twice in my career and it's the worst feeling in the world.

Read more football news

"Because you're feeling great one minute, looking forward to the game and something just tweaked. Let's hope it's not too bad."

Murphy added: "I'd be amazed if they draw another blank tonight with the firepower they've got. Although, let's be honest, Cole Palmer is a big, big miss.

"He's their most creative force, he's a goal scorer, he creates chances for the others.

"It's a big, big blow that is for the Chelsea side, but it gives someone else a chance."

Unfortunately for Estevao, he had a moment to forget inside the opening ten minutes.

The 18-year-old coughed the ball up in Chelsea's half and allowed the Hammers to instantly launch a counter-attack through midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The 23-year-old cut a dejected figure on the Chelsea bench

2

The 23-year-old cut a dejected figure on the Chelsea benchCredit: Sky Sports

Paqueta took four touches before he unleashed a vicious strike from distance that left Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez clawing at thin air to put the home side in front.

However, the Hammers' lead lasted less than ten minutes.

Joao Pedro opened Chelsea's Premier League account as he headed home Marc Cucurella's flicked header from a corner.

More to follow...

Read full news in source page