“Ready to play” – Maresca’s early piece of team news changes Chelsea – Liverpool equation | OneFootball

Chelsea are in a really tricky injury position for this evening’s game against Liverpool, missing a host of players at the back, in midfield and attack.

If they can make it through this game, things should improve a lot, however. After the international break, several players will be back.

Two have beaten that deadline – Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia both featured as subs last week against Brighton. Badiashile then started against Benfica, but without Lavia – that created the question of if the midfielder is fit. According to the coach, it’s good news.

Lavia compared to Reece James and Wesley Fofana

Reece James against Brentford. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

“Romeo is ready to play. With Romeo, we are trying to do exactly the same that we have done with Wes and with Reece,” Maresca said in his press conference yesterday.

“Now we are in a much better position for both of them. Unfortunately, at this moment, Wes is out, but not for any physical problem. It’s just for the concussion against Lincoln.”

“The target with Romeo is that we can help him and we can bring him in the same condition as Wes and Reece, where they can play games. As you can see now, Reece is playing more games without problems. Hopefully, we can do the same with Romeo.”

What Lavia can offer against table topping Liverpool

We still aren’t sure if this means Lavia starts – but from what Maresca says we’d give it a 60% chance. He won’t last 90, but if he can help us control the game for a solid period, that will be incredibly useful.

There is plenty of talent in this team, we’ve just got to stay in control of the game and keep a clean sheet for as long as possible to give our attackers a chance.