Enzo Maresca issues Chelsea injury update ahead of Ajax clash | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is hopeful that Enzo Fernandez could make his return when the Blues face Ajax in tomorrow’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are aiming to carry their Premier League momentum into Europe after a thumping 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

The “fantastic” midfielder missed that trip to the City Ground due to a minor knock picked up while on international duty with Argentina.

He was initially considered a doubt for the Ajax game, but Maresca is optimistic that the 24-year-old could be back in contention for the Blues.

“Enzo [Fernandez] took part in the session yesterday [Monday],” Maresca told journalists during his pre-match press conference.

“We have one more session, and then we will decide what we will do with him for tomorrow.

“As I said before the Forest game, it [the injury] was not something we had to be overly worried about – it is just to try to protect Enzo and protect any other players we need to protect.”

The Italian manager also gave an update on £30 million striker Liam Delap, who has been confined to the infirmary since August after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Fulham.

“Liam is very close,” the Blues head coach said. “He’s not working with us yet – he’s still out – but hopefully in the next days he can begin taking part in the sessions with us.”

Chelsea will host Ajax at the Bridge, looking to extend their winning streak to four games across all competitions, although Maresca will be working with a depleted squad.

As if the injury woes weren’t enough, the Blues also have to deal with a suspension to Joao Pedro, after his sending off in the narrow win against Benfica.

That leaves Maresca even shorter on attacking options, with Delap out injured.

Chelsea will go into the Ajax game with Marc Guiu and Tyrique George as striker options, although the former will likely get the nod after his impressive cameo against Forest.

“We have different options,” Maresca confirmed. “We have Marc [Guiu], we have also Tyrique [George], who has played games as a nine in the past.

“We trust Marc. Now he’s with us [following his loan recall] and he’s going to play games for us, for sure.”