Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has criticised manager Enzo Maresca for starting Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Manchester United despite the midfielder struggling with a groin injury.

Palmer had already missed games against West Ham, Fulham, and England duty after picking up the knock in Chelsea’s Champions League loss to Bayern Munich. Despite concerns, Maresca chose to start him at Old Trafford, only for the 22-year-old to last just 21 minutes before being substituted.

Leboeuf, speaking to ESPN, insisted it was the wrong call:
“Palmer is a fantastic player, but he must be at 100 per cent. At 60 or 70 per cent, he cannot show his skills. Groin injuries are tricky—you need proper rest or they can linger for months. Even if you’re Palmer, Maradona, or Zidane, you only return when fully fit.”