🔗 Share this article

Chelsea's manager has indicated that the squad is experiencing the " consequences of their previous global tournament involvement, with a large group of squad members missing for the forthcoming fixture against Liverpool.

Current Injury Status

Key player the young star is sidelined with a recurring groin problem, adding to the list of long-term unavailable players that features Fofana, Delap, Colwill, Santos, and Adarabioyo. Moreover, Chalobah is suspended following his red card in the recent loss to Brighton.

"This is reality," the coach commented. "Given that PSG and Chelsea have a high number of fitness issues, probably it's some consequences from the tournament. In this moment we have several defenders out, but we're going to try to adjust and discover the best answer."

Study Highlights Workload Issues

A newly released report from the worldwide players' union the organization indicated that the club's squad were given three weeks off after winning the competition in July, while PSG, the defeated finalists, gave breaks to their players for over three weeks. The analysis linked this high workload to the fitness challenges faced by the two teams.

Maresca voiced agreement with the study's conclusions and emphasized his faith in the young players who will fill the gaps. The 19-year-old defender is expected to earn his fourth top-flight start in the backline.

Trust in Youth

"This is difficult," he conceded, "but at the same time we trust the ones that are available. For sure, when you can change one individual after four or five matches, it's preferable. The longer you play together with colleagues, the understanding becomes stronger. Sometimes you don't have to talk to do an action on the pitch – they understand instantly. When you continue to change it's increasingly hard."

"Yet I truly have faith in the young players. Not only the youth that we purchased but additionally the young players from the academy. We provided games last season to Acheampong so that shows that I rely on young players."

Disciplinary Record Addressed

Regarding disciplinary matters, Maresca stated he is unworried by Chelsea's history of dismissals. The squad has received three send-offs in their last three matches, featuring João Pedro's red card in the Champions League win over the Portuguese side.

After Maresca arrival in mid-2024, the club has the worst conduct stats among Premier League teams, with multiple dismissals in 73 games – one every 10.4 fixtures. Additionally, they top the league for yellow cards under his leadership, with 114 cautions.

"I don't see a discipline issue," Maresca said. "It's necessary to review each incident individually. When it's a red card for malicious intent or for poor behavior, it's distinct from the United incident or the Seagulls red card. In those cases, it's simply a choice that you have to take in an instant, three seconds. Do I do foul or not? It's difficult."