Harry Kane was critical of the nine players who pulled out of England duty last week and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has responded to his comments, with Cole Palmer among those who withdrew from the squ

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca heaped praise on Jamie Vardy ahead of his return to Leicester City. The veteran striker played a key role in the Foxes’ promotion campaign last season under the Italian who moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

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. Palmer played the full 90 minutes during Saturday lunchtime’s 2-1 victory over Leicester at the King Power,

Enzo Maresca could target playing Cole Palmer and Joao Felix together but has revealed a potential obstacle with the plan.

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea survived a late scare and an injury worry for Cole Palmer after a brutal tackle to record a 2-1 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium

Both Leicester and Chelsea should be more than content with their starts to the Premier League season. Eleven games in, newly-promoted Leicester sit three points above the relegation zone on 10 points.