How Chelsea got ready for the match on Saturday

Chelsea has a fast turnaround before Saturday’s visit to Old Trafford, following a 3-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.

The Blues, who won the Club World Cup in July, returned to Europe’s top championship for the first time since the 2022/23 season.

But it was a baptism of fire for Enzo Maresca’s young team, with eight of the starting making their tournament debuts, at the Allianz Arena, with Bayern’s experience eventually showing through.

After Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Brentford, Maresca made four changes, including Cole Palmer returning to the starting lineup alongside captain Reece James and full-backs Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto.

The Blues started well, but the Germans broke the deadlock on 20 minutes when Trevoh Chalobah turned a cross into his own goal.

Harry Kane converted a penalty when Moises Caicedo fouled him in the box, but Palmer responded quickly with a superb finish off a one-two with Gusto.

But Bayern dominated the second half, with Kane scoring his second soon after the hour mark, and the Bundesliga leaders could have increased their lead even further.

Alejandro Garnacho, who could return to Old Trafford on Saturday, replaced Pedro Neto on 68 minutes but was unable to assist the Londoners get back into the game.

Palmer, making his 100th Chelsea game, felt he had scored again late on, but a VAR review determined that his effort was from an offside position.

The 23-year-old, who missed the Blues’ Premier League victory over West Ham and Fulham, looked to grab his groin towards the conclusion of the game, but Maresca is certain he will be alright.

“Cole, I think he’s okay,” he said. “I asked him after the game, he said that he’s okay.”

Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia did not play in Munich and are expected to miss Saturday’s game, while Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees.

United Archive vs Chelsea: