Home SPORTS Chelsea's Maresca Grapples with Injury Crisis and Discipline Ahead of Ajax Match

Chelsea's Maresca Grapples with Injury Crisis and Discipline Ahead of Ajax Match

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Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca's concerns mount ahead of Ajax clash


Chelsea FC news: Enzo Maresca's side looks to continue winning streak despite injury concerns and disciplinary issues. Chelsea overcome adversity to secure wins, but injury list grows. Can Maresca's tactics keep them on track?


“We were not happy with the result at Bayern, but the performance, we were happy with...”


Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces significant challenges ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match against Ajax, with a lengthy injury list and a concerning trend of red cards. The Blues have accumulated four red cards in their last six matches, prompting Maresca to emphasize the importance of discipline.




Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea's Argentina international midfielder, is a doubt for the Ajax match due to a knee issue that has kept him sidelined for a week. However, Maresca stressed that the club won't rush Fernandez back, prioritizing his recovery over the need for immediate action. This cautious approach reflects Maresca's focus on long-term success.


Maresca also addressed the red card issue, stating that Chelsea won't be implementing punishments for players who receive red cards. Instead, he emphasized teaching and guiding players to make better decisions on the pitch. The team has an internal system where players manage their own fines for misconduct, which Maresca believes is a more effective approach.


“Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow. It is not something we have to be worried about. It's to try and protect Enzo,” Maresca told reporters on Tuesday.


Chelsea's injury woes continue, with centre-back Benoit Badiashile becoming the latest player to pick up a knock. He's expected to be out until December due to a muscle problem. 

This adds to the growing list of injured players, including:

Injury Updates

  • Levi Colwill: Out for the season with an ACL injury
  • Cole Palmer: Six to eight weeks out with a fibula fracture
  • Liam Delap: 10-12 weeks out with a hamstring injury
  • Dario Essugo: Undergoing rehab for a thigh injury
  • Enzo Fernandez: Latest update suggests he'll be assessed before the Ajax match


The Blues face Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Enzo Maresca already dealing with a congested injury list.


“It's difficult, especially because most of the injuries we had were one or two days before the game,” Maresca said.


“We're trying to adapt. It's complicated because sometimes you plan for some players to play one week, but then you need that player because of another injury.”


Chelsea's recent performance has been marred by a rash of red cards, with the team picking up five red cards in their last six matches. Manager Enzo Maresca has opted for a hands-off approach, choosing to educate rather than punish his players. The Italian tactician believes in fostering a sense of responsibility within the squad, trusting his players to manage their behavior on the pitch.


Recent Red Cards

Robert Sanchez: Sent off against Manchester United for a last-man tackle

Trevoh Chalobah: Red carded against Brighton for denial of a goalscoring opportunity

Joao Pedro: Given a straight red against Benfica in the final minute of the game

Enzo Maresca: Received a red card for exuberant celebrations against Liverpool

Malo Gusto: Sent off against Nottingham Forest for a second yellow card in the dying minutes of the game


Maresca's approach focuses on teaching players to make better decisions during the game, rather than imposing fines or suspensions. The team has an internal system of fines, managed by the players themselves, which Maresca believes is a more effective way to promote discipline.


“For sure, it's something we can do better. Some of the red cards, we can avoid that ... the other side, they do not want to concede and they want to continue to be aggressive,” Maresca added.


“Personally, I'm not that kind of manager to punish players ... I have four kids, when they do something wrong, I do not punish them. I try to teach them to do the right things. I try to do this with the players too. This is the way I like to do things.”


Chelsea's recent form has seen a turnaround, with the team bouncing back from a three-match winless streak in the Premier League and a loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They secured a win over Benfica and followed it up with back-to-back victories in the English top-flight.


The wins have given Chelsea a much-needed boost, and they're now looking to maintain their momentum. With a busy schedule ahead, they'll be eager to keep their winning streak going.


"We were not happy with the result at Bayern, but the performance, we were happy with. We knew that was a difficult game,” Maresca said.


"Benfica, we tried to prepare the game to win the game in the best way, but when you face this kind of club there are always things you can learn after the game. It is going to be exactly the same tomorrow.


“It'll be a difficult game. (Ajax) are a club that have won this competition in the past. They want to prove to everyone that they can come here and beat us. We are going to try and do exactly the same.”








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