Enzo Maresca could change 6+ players and hand out debuts as injuries and “FIFA virus” bite | OneFootball

Chelsea did a lot of business this summer, and it felt like they had a really big squad going into the season, ready to compete on four fronts.

Well the best laid plans don’t last long once the action gets going, and it feels like the Blues are already stretched to breaking point just 3 games into the season.

Chelsea’s long list of tired and huddled masses

Liam Delap lies injured. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There are a number of players who are out with proper injuries – Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo.

Then there’s the group who are still recovering, who are fit but probably not fit to start – Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana.

Finally you’ve got the players who aren’t injured but have played a lot on international duty, or travelled a long way – Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian, Andrey Santos, Joao Pedro, Reece James, Marc Cucurella.

Are we forgetting anyone? Almost certainly.

Maresca has big decisions with stretched squad

Enzo Maresca is going really be stretched here. There’s no depth left in any area of the team. Up front the choice is going to be between a tired Joao Pedro or the returned Marc Guiu. Enzo Fernandez had a break in midfield, thankfully, because Lavia, Santos and Caicedo are all going to struggle to play 90 minutes if they play at all.

Players like Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte, who have just arrived at the club and aren’t really ready for starts could get thrown into action tomorrow simply out of necessity. Tyrique George, who was one signature away from a move to Fulham on Deadline Day, could end up playing in the very next game for us after the window closed!

We would honestly rather Enzo Maresca plays a weak team and drops points rather than risking injuries that will cost us far more points in the long run.