Injury Updates & Starting XI Hints: Maresca On Chelsea's Everton Trip

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Post on Apr 27, 2025

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Injury Updates & Starting XI Hints: Maresca on Chelsea's Everton Trip

Chelsea faces a crucial away trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton, and the pre-match press conference offered some intriguing insights into the Blues' squad fitness and potential starting lineup. Assistant manager, Carlo "Carletto" Maresca, stepped up to the podium, providing updates on key players and dropping subtle hints about his tactical approach for the challenging encounter.

Key Injury Concerns Addressed

The fitness of several key players has been a major talking point leading up to this game. Maresca confirmed that Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the Everton clash. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, leaving a significant gap in Chelsea's defensive capabilities.

"Reece is still recovering," Maresca stated. "We're taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, and rushing him back would be counterproductive." This absence will likely force a reshuffle in the backline, with potential candidates like Malo Gusto or Ben Chilwell stepping up to fill the void.

Another key injury concern revolves around Christopher Nkunku. While he participated in parts of training, Maresca remained tight-lipped about his availability, stating, "Nkunku is progressing well, but we'll make a final decision closer to matchday." His inclusion would significantly boost Chelsea's attacking options, offering a different dynamic to their forward line.

Starting XI Hints & Tactical Considerations

While Maresca wasn't explicitly revealing his starting eleven, his comments offered valuable clues about his tactical approach. He highlighted the importance of "controlling the midfield" and praised the recent performances of Enzo Fernandez, suggesting the Argentine playmaker will likely feature prominently.

He also mentioned the need for "pace and directness" in attack, hinting at the potential inclusion of players like Mykhailo Mudryk or Raheem Sterling, who possess the speed and dribbling skills to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities Everton might present.

The potential absence of Nkunku could see Nicolas Jackson leading the line, although Maresca's comments about needing "pace and directness" suggest a fluid front three could be deployed, with players interchanging positions throughout the game.

Potential Starting XI (Based on Maresca's Hints):

While this is purely speculative, based on Maresca's comments and current form, a potential starting XI could look something like this:

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defenders: [Likely a back four, with options like] Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell/Malo Gusto
• Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moisés Caicedo
• Forwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling

The Importance of the Everton Game

This match against Everton is crucial for Chelsea's season. A win would significantly boost their morale and position them strongly for the upcoming fixtures. Maresca's strategic insights offer a glimpse into the battle plan, highlighting the importance of midfield dominance and pace in attack. The absence of key players like Reece James adds another layer of complexity, demanding adaptability and resilience from the team.

The final decision on the starting eleven will undoubtedly depend on the players' fitness levels in the final training sessions before the game. However, Maresca's press conference provides valuable context and enhances anticipation for what promises to be a gripping encounter at Goodison Park.