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Enzo Maresca is preparing for a pivotal Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest — a fixture that carries a few intriguing narratives. ..Continue Reading
As Chelsea get ready to face Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, the team is dealing with uncertainty over the fitness of several key players.
The injury list continues to grow, leaving Chelsea without multiple important names. Dario Essugo is still recovering from a long-term issue and is not expected back until early next year, while Cole Palmer, who is Maresca’s star man, remains sidelined due to a persistent groin concern.
Further complicating matters in attack, number nine Liam Delap is still managing a hamstring problem, and reports suggest the summer arrival won’t return until around November/December.
Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instinct have been sorely missed, reducing Maresca’s striker options at a time when goals are in short supply.
At the back, Levi Colwill is ruled out until next year following an ACL injury sustained in pre-season, leaving Maresca with Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo as his only centre-back choices for now.
Adding to the complications, Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s influential attacking midfielder, may be unavailable for Forest after pulling out of international duty.
Fernandez withdrew from Argentina’s squad due to knee inflammation, prompting concerns about his readiness for the upcoming match.
Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro also skipped international duty because of minor injuries. While all three could be fit to face Forest, along with Andrey Santos and Tosin, the latter two haven’t been seen in Cobham training this week.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, will aim to take advantage of Chelsea’s injury troubles and secure much-needed points, with reports suggesting the Australian’s job is under threat after a difficult start at the City Ground.
Chelsea’s squad depth has been tested by injuries, especially in terms of experience.
Maresca deployed the youngest average Premier League lineup last season (24 years, 36 days), and the starting eleven against Benfica was Chelsea’s most youthful team ever in Champions League competition.
To mount a serious Premier League title challenge, Chelsea may need to add more seasoned players, which explains BlueCo’s interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
According to reports from Italy, Chelsea could also target another experienced option in former Lazio standout Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the Al-Hilal midfielder, who earns a whopping £418,000-per-week in the Gulf, might return to Europe next year when his contract ends, despite the Saudi Pro League club’s desire to extend it.
Milinkovic-Savic is drawing strong interest from clubs in England, Turkey, La Liga and Serie A, with “half of Europe” considering the 30-year-old on a free transfer.
Maresca’s side are among those interested, and Chelsea are reportedly pushing to sign Milinkovic-Savic as the West Londoners “like him a lot”.
Interestingly, Guardiola is said to hold the Serbia international — who made over 340 appearances for Lazio as a midfield leader — in “high regard”.
Milinkovic-Savic contributed 69 goals and 58 assists during his time in Rome, and has continued to impress in the Middle East with 30 goals and 26 assists for Al-Hilal.
His creativity and tactical intelligence in midfield could be a valuable asset for Chelsea, offering strong competition for Fernandez, who occupies a similar role.
Given Chelsea’s wage structure, Milinkovic-Savic would likely need to accept a reduced salary if he were to join on a free transfer.
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