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Enzo Maresca has indicated that the squad is facing the aftermath" of their previous Club World Cup involvement, with a large group of squad members missing for the upcoming match against Liverpool.

Current Injury Status

Important player the young star is out with a recurring groin problem, joining the list of lengthy absentees that includes Wesley Fofana, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Santos, and Adarabioyo. Moreover, Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following his red card in the recent loss to Brighton.

"This is reality," Maresca stated. "If Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have a high number of fitness issues, probably it's the result from the Club World Cup. In this moment we have several defenders out, but we're going to attempt to adapt and find the right solution."

Study Points to Workload Issues

A recent report from the global football union the organization showed that the club's players were allowed three weeks off after claiming victory in the competition in July, while PSG, the defeated finalists, gave breaks to their players for 22 days. The analysis linked this intense schedule to the fitness problems faced by the two teams.

The Italian manager voiced agreement with the study's findings and stressed his confidence in the youthful talent who will fill the gaps. The 19-year-old defender is likely to make his fourth Premier League appearance in the backline.

Trust in Young Players

"This is difficult," Maresca conceded, "but at the same moment we trust the ones that are available. For certain, when you can rotate one individual after several matches, it's preferable. The longer you perform alongside with teammates, the relationship becomes better. Sometimes you don't even need to speak to execute an action on the field – they understand immediately. When you persist to change it's more difficult."

"But I really trust the young stars. Not just the youth that we purchased but additionally the academy graduates from the youth system. We provided opportunities last season to Acheampong so that demonstrates that I trust the next generation."

Disciplinary Record Addressed

Regarding conduct concerns, Maresca stated he is not concerned by the team's history of red cards. The squad has received multiple send-offs in their previous three matches, including a player's dismissal in the Champions League win over Benfica.

Since his appointment in mid-2024, Chelsea has the worst conduct stats among top-flight clubs, with seven dismissals in seventy-three matches – a red card every 10.4 fixtures. Additionally, they top the division for cautions under his leadership, with over a hundred cautions.

"There is a conduct issue," he said. "It's necessary to analyse each incident individually. When it's a red card for bad intention or for bad discipline, it's different from the Manchester United incident or the Brighton sending-off. In that cases, it's just a choice that you have to take in an instant, a moment. Should I commit a foul or not? It's tough."