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Enzo Maresca has indicated that his team is experiencing the aftermath" of their previous global tournament campaign, with a large number of players unavailable for the upcoming match against Liverpool.

Present Injury Situation

Important player the young star is sidelined with a recurring groin injury, joining the list of lengthy unavailable players that features Fofana, Liam Delap, Colwill, Andrey Santos, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Additionally, Chalobah is suspended following his dismissal in the recent loss to Brighton.

"It's the truth," Maresca stated. "Given that PSG and Chelsea have so many fitness issues, probably it's the result from the tournament. In this situation we have several backline players out, but we're going to try to adapt and discover the right answer."

Study Highlights Workload Concerns

A newly released study from the worldwide players' union the organization indicated that Chelsea players were allowed three weeks off after winning the Club World Cup in the summer, while PSG, the beaten runners-up, gave breaks to their players for 22 days. The report connected this intense workload to the injury challenges faced by the two teams.

Maresca expressed agreement with the report's conclusions and emphasized his faith in the young talent who will fill the gaps. Josh Acheampong is likely to earn his fourth Premier League start in the backline.

Belief in Youth

"This is difficult," he admitted, "however at the same time we trust the ones that are available. For sure, when you can change one player after four or five games, it's preferable. The longer you play alongside with colleagues, the relationship becomes better. Sometimes you don't have to talk to execute something on the pitch – they understand immediately. When you persist to rotate it's more difficult."

"Yet I really trust the young stars. Not just the youth that we buy but additionally the academy graduates from the academy. We gave games last year to Acheampong so that shows that I rely on the next generation."

Conduct Issues Addressed

Regarding conduct matters, the manager claimed he is unworried by Chelsea's history of red cards. The squad has been shown three send-offs in their previous as many games, including João Pedro's red card in the European victory over Benfica.

Since Maresca arrival in June 2024, the club has the poorest disciplinary stats among Premier League teams, with seven dismissals in 73 matches – a red card every ten point four fixtures. Furthermore, they top the league for yellow cards under his leadership, with 114 bookings.

"There is any discipline problem," he said. "You have to review each incident individually. When it's a dismissal for bad intention or for poor behavior, it's distinct compared to the Manchester United incident or the Seagulls sending-off. In those case, it's just a choice that you have to take in two seconds, three seconds. Should I commit a foul or not? It's difficult."