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Enzo Maresca has suggested that the squad is experiencing the aftermath" of their previous Club World Cup involvement, with a significant group of squad members missing for the forthcoming match against the Reds.

Present Fitness Status

Important player the young star is out with a persistent muscle injury, adding to the list of long-term unavailable players that includes Wesley Fofana, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Andrey Santos, and Adarabioyo. Moreover, Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following his red card in the recent loss to the Seagulls.

"It's reality," Maresca commented. "Given that Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have a high number of injuries, likely it's the consequences from the tournament. In this moment we have four or five backline players out, but we're going to try to adapt and discover the right answer."

Study Points to Fixture Issues

A recent report from the worldwide football union Fifpro indicated that Chelsea players were allowed 20 days off after winning the Club World Cup in the summer, while PSG, the defeated runners-up, gave breaks to their team members for 22 days. The analysis connected this intense workload to the injury challenges faced by both teams.

The Italian manager voiced alignment with the report's conclusions and emphasized his faith in the youthful players who will step in. The 19-year-old defender is expected to make his fourth top-flight start in the backline.

Trust in Youth

"It is difficult," Maresca conceded, "however at the same moment we trust the ones that are available. For sure, when you can rotate one individual after four or five matches, it's better. The more you perform alongside with colleagues, the relationship becomes stronger. Sometimes you don't have to speak to execute an action on the pitch – they understand instantly. When you persist to rotate it's more difficult."

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

Disciplinary Record Addressed

Regarding conduct concerns, Maresca claimed he is not concerned by Chelsea's history of dismissals. The squad has received multiple send-offs in their previous as many matches, including João Pedro's red card in the Champions League win over the Portuguese side.

Since his appointment in June 2024, the club has the worst disciplinary record among Premier League clubs, with seven red cards in 73 matches – a red card every 10.4 matches. Additionally, they top the division for yellow cards under his leadership, with over a hundred cautions.

"I don't see any discipline problem," he 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 United red card or the Brighton red card. In those cases, it's simply a choice that you have to take in an instant, three seconds. Do I commit foul or not? It's difficult."