Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea did not put pressure on Cole Palmer to pull out of England duty this month, despite the midfielder making an immediate return to action for his club.

According the Premier League match panel, via TNT presenter Lynsey Hipgrave, the Ghana international escaped further punishment as the VAR noted he was only a short distance from Palmer when he launched into the tackle, while the challenge was also said to lack ‘intensity’.

Enzo Maresca could target playing Cole Palmer and Joao Felix together but has revealed a potential obstacle with the plan.The attacking duo have made just four appearances together for Chelsea since Felix returned on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid in the summer.