Maresca on Chelsea's Transfer Window Challenges and Mudryk's Future

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca discusses the challenges of the January transfer window, including player distractions, and offers support to suspended winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed the media in his latest press conference, providing an update on the fitness of captain Reece James ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night. Maresca emphasized the importance of managing James' playing time to avoid risking further injury. “For Reece it is not about if he scores goals or how many minutes, it's just to manage him. We are going to see. If he plays 45 minutes he can be ready but we don't want to risk (him). We don't want him to get injured again,” he said.

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Maresca was also asked about defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace earlier this week. The Italian coach described the process of reintegrating Chalobah into the team as “quite easy,” given their familiarity with the player. “It is quite an easy process (getting him back). We have quite a few injuries and we were looking for a solution so we called back Trev. First of all, we know him very well, second we are sure he can (impress),” Maresca said.

Maresca revealed that three players, including star player Cole Palmer, are in doubt for Monday's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Palmer, along with Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, did not participate in training on Friday due to injuries sustained in the previous game. “Cole (Palmer), Levi (Colwill), Romeo (Lavia) were not in the session today. We have three or four players who are a doubt for Monday's game because in the last game, they picked up some problems,” Maresca explained. He provided additional details on Palmer's injury, stating that the player was subjected to rough treatment during the first half of the previous game. “Cole, the first half (of the last game) they kicked him so he didn't train today, we don't know if he will train tomorrow.”

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that the January transfer window can be a challenging time for managers, as players who are linked with moves away can become distracted. Maresca emphasized that this is a common issue faced by many clubs, not just Chelsea. “It's not just for us, it's for every club and every manager. At this moment, when there is noise about any player it is not easy because even if you the player can be focused on us but he is a human being so if there is noise about a different club, probably not focused 100%. It's not (helpful),” he said.

Maresca also addressed the situation surrounding winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been suspended due to an alleged doping issue. While Maresca did not provide an update on the situation, he expressed the club's support for Mudryk and their desire to help him return to the first team. “I don't know (when we will get clarity on the situation). The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club and we are trying to help him. In terms of an update I don't have one,” Maresca said.