Club World Cup to blame for Chelsea injuries, says Maresca ahead of his side missing 7-8 players for crucial Liverpool game.
With the manager unable to use “seven or eight” players for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, Enzo Maresca feels Chelsea is suffering as a result of their efforts in the Club World Cup.
Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following his dismissal in last weekend’s home loss to Brighton, while Cole Palmer is out due to a persistent groin issue, joining long-time absences Wesley Fofana, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Andrey Santos, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
According to a report released this week by the global players’ union Fifpro, Chelsea’s players received 20 days off following their victory in the Club World Cup in July, while Paris Saint-Germain, the losing finalists, rested their players for 22 days. This heavy workload was connected to both clubs’ injury issues.
Before expressing confidence in the young players he will bring up to fill in, Maresca stated that he agreed with the general tone of the Fifpro report. Josh Acheampong, 19, is anticipated to start at centre back in place of Chalobah for the fourth time in the Premier League.
“It’s reality,” Maresca said. “If PSG and Chelsea have so many injuries, probably it’s some consequences from the Club World Cup. In this moment we have four or five defenders out, but we’re going to try to adapt and find the right solution.
“It is difficult, but at the same time we trust the ones that are here.
“For sure, when you can change one player after four or five games, it’s better. The more you play together with teammates, the relationship becomes better. Sometimes you don’t even need to speak to do something on the pitch – they understand immediately. When you continue to change it’s more difficult.
“But I really trust the young players. Not just the young players that we buy but also the young players from the academy. We gave games last year to Josh so that shows that I trust young players.”