Poch says Arsenal defeat not down to Palmer absence, shares fitness update

Chelsea suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Arsenal. Cole Palmer did not make the squad as he was ill.

Mauricio Pochettino insists that the Englishman's absence was not the main reason behind the crushing loss.

"We cannot say that was the reason we lose the game but we lose a player who is a creative player who helps to link the team," the Argentine told TNT Sports, as quoted by the BBC.

"We are losing players and that is made very difficult, the management. But I think today, more than that, it was difficult to be in the game."

Asked about Palmer's return date, Poch said: "We don't know, we need to assess tomorrow. We will see the squad that we have. We need to deal with the situation."