Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca held a pre-match press conference ahead of their Premier League game against Leicester City, where he provided an update on the team’s injury status. One of the key talking points was the absence of Pedro Neto, who was described as “getting better” after picking up a knock on international duty. However, Maresca revealed that he did not want to risk Neto, indicating that the Portuguese star may not be ready for first-team action just yet.
Another player who missed out on the match was Malo Gusto, who was feeling unwell. Maresca stated that Gusto was not ready to face Leicester City, leaving the Blues with a few injury concerns. The Chelsea manager also discussed the fitness of Romeo Lavia, who was reported to be carrying a hamstring injury. However, Lavia was present on the bench for the match against the Foxes and trained with the team this week, giving fans reason to be optimistic about his chances of returning to action soon.
The main talking point of the press conference, however, was the injury sustained by Chelsea captain Reece James. Maresca revealed that James had picked up a hamstring injury and would be unavailable for the Leicester City clash. The Telegraph reported that James would undergo a scan next week to determine the extent of the injury, which has left him with swelling around the hamstring. The Chelsea manager expressed his desire to avoid taking any risks with James’ injury, indicating that he may be sidelined for a few matches.
Maresca’s comments about James’ injury suggest that the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure that the captain does not make a premature return to action. This could be a wise decision, considering the importance of James to Chelsea’s team. The 24-year-old has been an integral part of the Blues’ squad this season, and his absence would undoubtedly be felt.
In addition to the injuries, Maresca’s press conference also highlighted the challenges facing Chelsea ahead of the match against Leicester City. The Blues have struggled for consistency this season, and they will be looking to turn things around with a convincing win over the Foxes. With several injury concerns and rotating personnel, Chelsea fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this match to see if their team can turn things around.
Enzo Maresca’s press conference provided valuable insight into the current state of Chelsea’s squad. While the injury concerns are a cause for concern, the manager’s cautious approach suggests that he is prioritizing the long-term health of his players over short-term gains. With several key players out injured, the Blues will be counting on the fit players to deliver a strong performance against Leicester City.
