Chelsea Suffer Cole Palmer Injury Setback Moments Before West Ham Clash

Chelsea were dealt a significant blow just minutes before kick-off against West Ham United, as Cole Palmer was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury during the warm-up at the London Stadium.

The 23-year-old forward had been named in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up but felt discomfort while warming up and was subsequently withdrawn as a precaution. Palmer was later seen walking down the tunnel alongside fitness coach Marcos Alvarez.

Speaking to Sky Sports reporter David Craig, Maresca confirmed that Palmer “felt something” and stressed that the decision to leave him out was precautionary.

Shortly before the teams emerged from the tunnel, Palmer appeared pitchside wearing a hooded parka as he took his place on the bench alongside his Chelsea teammates.

His absence prompted an immediate reshuffle for the Blues, with summer signing Estevão — acquired for a substantial fee from Palmeiras — drafted into the starting XI. The Brazilian took up the right-wing position, while Pedro Neto switched to the left and João Pedro dropped into the No.10 role behind striker Liam Delap.