Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca reveals that four senior Chelsea players will be absent from the squad for the second leg of the Europa Conference League playoff with Servette.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that four senior players are missing from the squad to face Servette on Thursday night.
The Blues make the trip to Switzerland for the second leg of their Europa Conference League playoff tie holding a 2-0 advantage.
Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke got on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge last week as Maresca’s side survived countless occasions when their opponents threatened to cause a surprise.
Three days later, Chelsea produced a scintillating second-half display to earn a 6-2 victory at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
As the West Londoners prepare for the fourth game of a hectic two-week period, Maresca has made the decision to ‘protect’ some of his players.
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Who misses out against Servette?
Romeo Lavia is one of the quartet who will play no part at Stade de Geneve, Maresca having already addressed that the midfielder is carrying a minor hamstring issue.
Reece James also remains unavailable for the same reason, while Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto have also been left at home for the reverse fixture against the Swiss Super League outfit.
At a press conference on Wednesday night, Maresca said that their absences were “just for protection” as he bids to keep the dynamic pair fit.
Gusto completed the 90 minutes in each of the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures, as well as being introduced for the final 12 minutes versus Servette.
Meanwhile, Neto has accumulated 134 minutes across three appearances since signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers, having not completed 90 minutes since the early part of 2024.
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Will mass changes be made?
Maresca made nine alterations for the first leg and it would come as a surprise if a similar amount were not made on Thursday night.
Axel Disasi should slot in for Gusto at right-back, while Mykhaylo Mudryk could retain his spot on the left having been replaced by Neto at Molineux on Sunday.
Joao Felix is also unavailable after not being registered in time for the first leg, subsequently ruling him out of the tie as a whole.
The likes of Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku and Marc Guiu could be recalled to the starting lineup.
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