Enzo Maresca has admitted that Cole Palmer wasn’t fit enough to start Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Brentford, despite the England international making an impact from the bench.

Speaking after the game, the Chelsea boss explained the decision: “Cole was not fit to play from the start. It’s from the medical staff, it’s from the player – it’s from all of us.”

Palmer had only recently returned from an injury spell, and Maresca made it clear that rushing him back into the starting XI was never an option.

“When Cole is fit, we are very, very happy. If he started, 90 minutes, it’s a bit different. With Cole in the team, we are much, much better.”

The 22-year-old still managed to show his quality in his short cameo. Introduced in the second half, Palmer scored a slick goal to drag Chelsea level.

However, he also spurned some late chances that could have sealed all three points for the Blues.
It was a reminder of both his talent and his importance to this Chelsea side. Maresca’s words underline just how pivotal Palmer has become — but also how carefully the club must manage his fitness if they want to keep him at his best.