Chelsea's manager has suggested that his team is facing the " consequences of their previous global tournament involvement, with a large group of players unavailable for the forthcoming match against the Reds.
Present Fitness Status
Key attacker Cole Palmer is sidelined with a persistent groin problem, adding to the list of long-term absentees that includes Wesley Fofana, Liam Delap, Colwill, Santos, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Moreover, Chalobah is suspended following his dismissal in the recent defeat to the Seagulls.
"This is the truth," Maresca commented. "Given that Paris Saint-Germain and we have a high number of fitness issues, likely it's some result from the tournament. In this moment we have four or five backline players out, but we're going to try to adjust and find the right solution."
Study Points to Workload Concerns
A newly released report from the worldwide players' union the organization showed that the club's squad were allowed three weeks off after winning the competition in July, while PSG, the defeated finalists, gave breaks to their team members for 22 days. The analysis linked this high workload to the injury problems experienced by both teams.
The Italian manager voiced alignment with the report's conclusions and stressed his confidence in the young talent who will step in. Josh Acheampong is expected to earn his fourth top-flight start in the backline.
Belief in Young Players
"It is challenging," he conceded, "but at the same time we believe in the players that are here. For sure, when you can change one player after four or five matches, it's preferable. The more you perform alongside with teammates, the understanding grows better. Sometimes you don't even need to talk to execute an action on the pitch – they grasp immediately. When you persist to rotate it's increasingly hard."
"Yet I really trust the young players. Not only the youth that we buy but additionally the academy graduates from the academy. We provided opportunities last season to Acheampong so that demonstrates that I trust young players."
Conduct Record Addressed
Regarding conduct concerns, Maresca stated he is unworried by the team's history of red cards. The squad has been shown multiple red cards in their last as many games, featuring João Pedro's red card in the European victory over the Portuguese side.
Since his arrival in June 2024, the club has the worst conduct record among Premier League teams, with multiple dismissals in 73 games – one every 10.4 fixtures. Furthermore, they top the division for cautions under his leadership, with over a hundred bookings.
"I don't see a discipline problem," Maresca remarked. "You have to analyse case by case. When it's a red card for bad intention or for poor behavior, it's distinct from the Manchester United incident or the Brighton red card. In those cases, it's simply a decision that you have to take in two seconds, a moment. Do I commit a foul or not? It's difficult."
