Enzo Maresca hits out at Lisandro Martinez tackle with latest Cole Palmer injury update

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that talisman Cole Palmer could miss out on their Premier League meeting with rivals Arsenal on Sunday, after a reckless tackle from Lisandro Martinez last weekend.

Palmer has yet to train since being on the receiving end of a late challenge from Manchester United centre-back Martinez in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Martinez was shown a yellow card after catching Palmer’s right knee, however, it was decided after a VAR check that it was not worthy of a red card.

The Chelsea star continued for the remaining few minutes of the gakme but had looked to be in discomfort following the challenge.

Palmer misses Chelsea’s Conference League tie against Armenian opponent Noah on Thursday night, having been left out of the squad to ensure he can rest given his status as a star player, but Maresca confirmed he could also miss the game versus Arsenal.

“For sure, [it is a risk at this stage],” Maresca told reporters (via The Athletic).

“He didn’t train the past two days, hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, I think it is quite clear, was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.”

Maresca felt Martinez deserved red card for Palmer tackle

Maresca made his feelings clear on Martinez’s tackle after the match.

“He was there in the changing room with ice,” Maresca said at the weekend, as per The Athletic. “We are waiting now.

“Hopefully, it is nothing important and then I know you are going to ask me about the referee’s decision. They showed me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision.”

He admitted that he spoke to officials about the tackle at full-time, adding: “Yes. I just said, for me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and he goes for the player. It’s a red.”