Chelsea supporters travelled in strong numbers but left frustrated after watching a rotated team struggle for rhythm. Maresca rested Reece James, Pedro Neto and Wesley Fofana, while Moises Caicedo was unavailable through suspension. The changes backfired, and Leeds took full advantage with a high-energy performance built on quick transitions and clean finishing.

Tosin Adarabioyo, handed a start at centre-back, endured a difficult evening and was blamed for the third Leeds goal just as Chelsea looked ready to push for an equalizer. Even the return of Palmer, who featured for the first time since September after his long injury absence, could not change the momentum.

Palmer did miss a major chance at 2-1, but Maresca stressed that simply having him back on the pitch mattered most. Speaking to the club's media, the head coach said: "It's probably the only good news over the night. Happy for him, he's back. Now he needs to build a bit of physical condition. He will be important for sure."

Maresca has already indicated that Chelsea are planning to manage Palmer carefully, with no intention of rushing him into full ninety-minute workloads.

Palmer's reintroduction has also intensified competition for attacking places. Tyrique George has dropped out of recent matchday squads, and with clubs across Europe showing interest, the teenager is expected to assess his options ahead of January. A departure would not be a surprise given Chelsea's depth in forward areas.

Facundo Buonanotte is another intriguing subplot. The midfielder has been left out of the last six league squads, but insiders have suggested that he is likely to earn opportunities over the coming weeks, particularly as Pedro Neto continues his steady return to full fitness.

For Chelsea, the defeat underlined familiar issues, inconsistency, costly defensive lapses, and the challenge of integrating returning players, but Palmer's comeback at least offered the smallest glimmer of hope on a bruising night in Yorkshire.

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker delighted by season start