CHELSEA MUST MANAGE FITNESS BETTER TO AVOID STRUGGLES, SAYS MARESCA
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirms Liam Delap is back from injury as he calls for player rotation. The Blues face Wolves in the Carabao Cup amid a busy schedule, with Cole Palmer ruled out.
Enzo Maresca - Credit: PA/Bradley Collyer
As the Blues battle on several fronts this season, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that he needs "guard players," and Liam Delap's return to the team is a welcome addition.
Chemsdine Talbi's stoppage-time goal gave Chelsea a last-minute loss to Sunderland in the Premier League over the weekend. Chelsea will need to bounce back when they play Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
After a protracted injury absence due to a hamstring injury, Maresca confirmed last week that former Ipswich attacker Delap is back in the running.
"He is available for tomorrow and finished the entire session with us yesterday without any issues," Maresca stated.
He said, "We have to be careful with Liam," acknowledging that it was doubtful he would play the entire ninety minutes. Since he has been absent for two months, he must be gradually restored to full capacity.
"We must safeguard the players because we will have trouble throughout the season if we stick with the same starting lineup. I am not sure how many, but we will most likely make some adjustments to counter Wolves.
Cole Palmer is out for Chelsea due to a chronic groin issue, and Joao Pedro has been recovering from a leg injury but has played, including in Saturday's loss.
"We definitely need to make some to rotate and assist in protecting the players," Maresca stated. "I am not sure if it is going to be nine or ten like it was from Forest to Ajax [when Chelsea won 5-1]."
We will see tomorrow since certain athletes require protection for a variety of reasons. We must preserve Joao, Moi [Moises Caicedo], and Enzo [Fernandez] since they are all players for various reasons.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.