Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained his decisions to substitute Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella during the defeat to Aston Villa, with the Blues left sweating on a possible injury to their left-back. Two goals from substitute Ollie Watkins saw the visitors come from behind to win after Joao Pedro had opened the scoring following a dominant first half.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained his decisions to substitute Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella during the defeat to Aston Villa, with the Blues left sweating on a possible injury to their left-back.
Two goals from substitute Ollie Watkins saw the visitors come from behind to win after Joao Pedro had opened the scoring following a dominant first half.
When asked about replacing Cucurella with Malo Gusto, Maresca said: "He was complaining about his hamstring, so we don't know if it's an injury or not. He asked for the change."
Cucurella is the first Chelsea player to play over 2000 minutes this season
Palmer appeared frustrated when he was taken off in the 72nd minute for Estevao Willian.
Asked whether he had any issue with Palmer's reaction, Maresca replied: "No, he was working very well. On the ball and off the ball, pressing – he was very good.
"We have another game in 48 hours, so he was good and we're happy that he's back."
Chelsea next face Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.
Category: General Sports
