Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that the club could struggle early in the season, revealing that key players are just returning from extended absences following last season’s demanding schedule, which included the Club World Cup.
Key Players Struggling With Fitness
Maresca confirmed that Moises Caicedo was only able to train for the first time on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s Saturday clash with Fulham.
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are also sidelined, leaving Maresca to deal with a trio of players who carried the heaviest workload last season.
“I don’t think this is random,” Maresca told reporters at Chelsea’s training ground.
“Our three players with the most minutes last year were Levi, Cole, and Moi.
Levi is out with an ACL injury, Cole has a groin problem, and Moi only trained today for the first time since the West Ham game. That’s where things are this season.”
He added, “It’s about the number of games they played.
Look at Manchester City last year—they lost Rodri after just a few games, and he was one of their most-used players.
We are going to have challenges this season because of last year, but it’s about adapting and helping players recover.”
Stats Highlight the Toll of Last Season
Last season, Caicedo logged 3,356 minutes, Palmer 3,195, and Colwill 3,149—ranking all three among the top 20 most-used players in the Premier League.
Palmer could return after the international break, having been left out of England’s squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Chelsea Eyes New Talent
Maresca also discussed Chelsea’s plans for new signings, particularly Alejandro Garnacho, whom the club has agreed to a £40million deal with Manchester United.
“Garnacho is a good winger, strong in one-v-ones, and he can create opportunities,” Maresca said.
“We look for wingers who are aggressive, vertical, and can attack.
Jamie Gittens has that profile too. If Garnacho arrives, we will see how he fits in.”