Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca has criticized Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez for what he called a reckless challenge on Cole Palmer during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Old Trafford.

Chelsea now face concerns over Palmer’s fitness, as Maresca confirmed the forward was icing his injury in the dressing room.

Maresca stated his frustration that Martínez received only a yellow card for what he deemed a red-worthy offense.

The incident occurred in stoppage time when Martínez’s high tackle on Palmer caught the England international on the knee.

Referee Robert Jones issued a yellow card, with the Video Assistant Referee, Michael Salisbury, upholding the decision, categorizing the tackle as reckless but not serious foul play.

Maresca argued, “When there is no intention to go for the ball and you only go for the player, it’s a red. He [referee] didn’t say anything, but it was clear to me that it should have been a red card.”

Lisandro Martinez is shown a yellow card from referee Robert Jones after a foul on Cole Palmer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s interim coach, maintained that he didn’t initially view the tackle as red-card worthy, adding, “I would have to watch it again to give an opinion.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are waiting to assess the full extent of Palmer’s injury.

“He [Palmer] is waiting in changing room with ice. We hope it’s nothing important.”