Enzo Maresca
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Chelsea is grappling with injury concerns as they prepare for their Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich. The Blues, who recently played to a 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League, are now focusing on their European challenge set for Wednesday evening. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has expressed concerns regarding Joao Pedro’s fitness, which could influence his team selection for the high-stakes match.
Enzo Maresca said: “Joao Pedro, before the game, told me that he was not fit 100 per cent, better [that he] doesn’t play. So if I was thinking about Bayern Munich, Joao would be on the bench. But Joao played because the focus was about tonight. But for sure, when you have so many games, you have to plan a different option. For instance, Reece James played two games with the international team. So play tonight and thinking on Wednesday. So it’s not, our focus was about tonight. And the reason why is because if this season we play Champions League, it’s because we did well in the Premier League. And if we want to play again Champions League next season, we need to do well in the Premier League.”
The potential absence of Joao Pedro against Bayern Munich presents a selection challenge for Maresca. Compounding the issue, Liam Delap is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Nicolas Jackson, who has joined Bayern on loan, could face his parent club in Munich. In response to Delap’s injury, Chelsea has recalled Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland.
Maresca is expected to provide an update on Pedro’s fitness ahead of the match at the Allianz Arena. The situation underscores the importance of squad depth and strategic planning, especially during a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and European commitments.
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