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Enzo Maresca has indicated that the squad is facing the aftermath" of their previous global tournament campaign, with a significant number of players unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against the Reds.

Present Fitness Status

Key attacker the young star is sidelined with a persistent groin injury, joining the roster of long-term absentees that includes Fofana, Liam Delap, Colwill, Andrey Santos, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Additionally, Chalobah is banned following his dismissal in the last loss to the Seagulls.

"It's reality," Maresca stated. "Given that Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have so many injuries, likely it's some consequences from the Club World Cup. In this situation we have four or five backline players out, but we're going to attempt to adapt and find the best answer."

Study Highlights Fixture Issues

A recent report from the global football union Fifpro indicated that the club's squad were allowed 20 days off after winning the competition in July, while PSG, the beaten finalists, gave breaks to their team members for over three weeks. The report linked this intense schedule to the injury problems experienced by both clubs.

Maresca voiced alignment with the study's findings and stressed his confidence in the youthful talent who will step in. The 19-year-old defender is likely to earn his fourth Premier League appearance in the backline.

Belief in Youth

"It is difficult," he admitted, "but at the same moment we trust the ones that are here. For certain, when you can change one individual after several matches, it's better. The more you play alongside with colleagues, the relationship grows better. Sometimes you don't even need to speak to do an action on the field – they understand instantly. When you continue to rotate it's more hard."

"But I really trust the young players. Not just the young players that we buy but additionally the young players from the youth system. We gave games last year to Acheampong so that demonstrates that I rely on the next generation."

Conduct Record Discussed

Regarding conduct matters, Maresca stated he is unworried by Chelsea's history of red cards. The team has received three red cards in their previous three games, featuring João Pedro's dismissal in the Champions League victory over Benfica.

Since Maresca arrival in June 2024, Chelsea has the poorest conduct record among top-flight clubs, with multiple dismissals in 73 games – one every ten point four matches. Additionally, they lead the division for cautions under his leadership, with 114 bookings.

"There is any discipline problem," Maresca remarked. "You have to analyse case by case. When it's a red card for bad intention or for bad discipline, it's distinct from the Manchester United red card or the Brighton sending-off. In those case, it's simply a decision that you have to make in an instant, a moment. Do I commit foul or not? It's difficult."