Maresca casually names two important attackers ready to feature for Chelsea in huge Saturday clash | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has just taken his press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Aston Villa, and right off the bat he had some positive injury updates for Chelsea fans.

Relaxed Maresca confirms attackers’ return

Estevao fires in. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Last time out he made two rather surprising announcements – one that Liam Delap was coming back earlier than expected, and one that Estevao Willian was out with a strain. There was good news on both fronts today.

“[Estevao] is back. He’s back, he’s available for Saturday, him and also Liam Delap,” the manager said.

Asked if the striker’s return (which has come in less than a month, far less than the two months originally predicted by some) was ahead of schedule, Maresca denied that the club’s timeline had ever been as pessimistic as some of those coming from outside:

“No [it wasn’t a surprise], we didn’t know exactly for how long he needs to be out, but as I said, he’s available for Saturday, he’s available also Estevao, so very happy for both.”

Delap could even start, but we suspect Maresca will stick with the Joao Pedro up front and Cole Palmer in the hole setup that he used against Newcastle, at least to start the game against Villa.

In other news…

Chelsea are not expected to have major business in January, but they will likely sell Tyrique George, who is a pure profit asset sitting on the books they looked to move on in the summer too. Sky Sports took a look at the deal in quotes we have here.

Part of Chelsea’s success this season has been down to their strength at the back, and among their most effective players there has been Trevoh Chalobah, whose stats are now reflecting what a good player he is.