CAICEDO OUT: ENZO MARESCA NAMES SURPRISE MIDFIELD REPLACEMENT
Chelsea faces a midfield gap with Caicedo suspended. Maresca trusts Andrey Santos is ready and acknowledges the challenge of managing key player Reece James's fitness smartly.
Enzo Maresca says Chelsea needs to be smart about managing Reece James’ fitness as they prepare to face Leeds United.
The Blues captain has proven to be a solid midfield option, stepping into the role during Sunday's game against Arsenal after Moises Caicedo was sent off and performing well.
With Caicedo now suspended for three games, there's a big gap in Chelsea’s midfield.
Although playing James in that position is appealing, Maresca hinted at Tuesday's press conference that he might rest James at Elland Road.
James is also an option at right back. The Chelsea coach is prepared to decide where he plays based on who they're up against.
‘It’s tricky. I’d like to start him, but we have to be smart,’ Maresca said.
‘He can play in both spots. He’s played fullback most of his career, but he’s also played midfield.
‘I think he’s good in both roles. If we play him in midfield, it’s usually because we want that physical presence in the middle. It depends on the game plan, but he’s doing great in both positions.’
Maresca names a surprising option to replace Caicedo in midfield.
Maresca is confident that Andrey Santos can fill the void left by Caicedo’s suspension. He also mentioned another Chelsea player who could step into the midfield role.
Caicedo received a straight red card in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal after a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino in the first half.
Despite his protests, the referee quickly changed the yellow card to a red, resulting in a three-game suspension.
Caicedo will miss the Leeds game, Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, and the home game against Everton on December 13.
This leaves a significant gap in the midfield, where Caicedo has been in great form. However, Chelsea has a good young player in Santos, who played well against Burnley after the international break when Caicedo was benched.
Santos had a great loan spell at Strasbourg last year, but has only started three Premier League and Champions League games this season.
Maresca believes the 21-year-old is now ready to step up. He also mentioned academy player Josh Acheampong, a centre-half, as another possible option.
For sure, we’re a better team with Cole [Palmer], with Moi [Caicedo], and with Levi [Colwill, out with an ACL injury], but when these players aren’t available, we need to find solutions, Maresca said at a press conference on Tuesday.
‘Now we need to do things a bit differently.
‘Andrey is ready. He plays as a No. 6, like Moi, and he’s ready. Josh [Acheampong] can also play well in that position, but we’ll see.’
LIAM ROSENIOR’S "DETAILED TALKS" WITH CHELSEA LEADERSHIP REVEAL AGGRESSIVE SUMMER TRANSFER STRATEGY
Liam Rosenior confirms no Chelsea players want to leave, including Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, despite UCL exit.
Liam Rosenior is currently engaged in thorough discussions with Chelsea’s leadership about their plans for the summer transfer window. Interestingly, none of the players has approached him expressing a desire to leave.
After Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League last-16 against Paris Saint-Germain, speculation swirled around Enzo Fernandez’s future, while names like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have also been linked with moves away since Rosenior took charge in January. Ahead of their trip to Everton, Rosenior addressed questions about possible departures if the team misses out on Europe’s top competition again. He also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring new players in.
“We're having very detailed talks about where we need to strengthen,” he said, referring to conversations with the sporting director team, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. “I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s needed, and we’re mostly aligned on the approach, which is encouraging. But the priority is also handling the present properly. It’s crucial to be in a good spot now. Planning is important, but so is winning in the moment. That’s why I’m here, and I’m having positive discussions with ownership and the sporting directors about it.”
Rosenior emphasised that key players like Enzo Fernández want to remain at Chelsea. After Fernandez’s recent interview with ESPN Argentina, where he was noncommittal about his future following the heavy loss to PSG, Rosenior reached out to him personally.
“Our plans don’t hinge solely on qualifying for the Champions League; there are many variables,” Rosenior explained. “We need to make the best of the situation we’re in and stay as strong as possible. I maintain a close relationship with the players; we talk beyond football about their families and their lives. I’m particularly close with Enzo and the others. Since I arrived, no one has told me they want to leave in the summer. The focus is really on improving together as a team and figuring out what it takes to win right now.”
When asked specifically if that applies to Fernandez, Palmer, and Caicedo, Rosenior was clear: “They love it here.”
WHY ENZO FERNANDEZ REFUSES TO COMMIT TO CHELSEA’S FUTURE PROJECT
Enzo Fernandez has sparked Chelsea exit fears after refusing to commit to his future following a 2-8 defeat to PSG.
Chelsea fans barely had time to process a brutal 8-2 Champions League thrashing by PSG on Tuesday when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez stirred things up even more. ESPN Argentina asked him about his future, and instead of assurance, Fernandez left everyone guessing about whether he’d still be at Stamford Bridge next season.
His answer? “I don’t know. There are eight games left, and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.” Not exactly what supporters needed to hear after a rough night. Honestly, Enzo, now’s probably not the best time for uncertainty.
People have been gossiping about Fernandez’s next move for a while now. Real Madrid and PSG keep cropping up as possible destinations, despite Chelsea sources insisting they won’t sell him. He’s locked into a contract until 2032, but if he pushes for an exit, who knows if that changes.
Fernandez holds a hefty price tag of £107 million; when he arrived in January 2023, it was a British record at the time. He’s backed it up this season, stacking up 12 goals, 6 assists, and playing more minutes than anyone else on the squad.
Still, Chelsea has been searching for someone who can play that No. 10 role where Fernandez has spent most of the season. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is on their wishlist, though nothing’s happened yet. Rogers, 23 and once a Manchester City academy kid, has been lighting it up at Villa lately. He signed a contract extension in November, but rumours about his future just won’t die.
Rogers is definitely on Chelsea’s radar. If Fernandez leaves this summer, and really, that’s still wide open; Rogers could be a target.
You can expect Chelsea to be busy in the market soon. They need a centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in January. Douglas Luiz was briefly considered but wound up at Villa, so midfield is still in the mix. Plus, given their attacking troubles this season, they’ll be looking to upgrade up front too.
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