Skip to main content

Enzo Maresca discusses injuries, transfer plans, and tactics ahead of Manchester City trip

Written by Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.
, | Updated: January 24, 2025
« Kolo Muani joins Juventus on loan, Renato Veiga to follow
Chelsea's manager Enzo Maresca during a press-conferece

    Key Takeaways:

  • Chelsea faces Manchester City in the Premier League’s 23rd round on Saturday
  • Enzo Maresca confirmed that Romeo Lavia is unavailable for the upcoming game against Manchester City due to injury
  • Maresca expressed confidence in goalkeeper Robert Sanchez despite recent mistakes
  • João Félix and Christopher Nkunku have limited game time because of tactical decisions favoring Cole Palmer
  • Chelsea has no plans to recall Andrey Santos or Ugochukwu, relying instead on their current midfield options

Enzo Maresca discussed key squad updates and tactical decisions in his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City in the Premier League’s 23rd round. When asked about Romeo Lavia’s availability, Maresca confirmed the midfielder remains sidelined with injury. “Romeo Lavia will be out. We don’t know yet; we will have to wait a little bit, a few weeks more” he said.

Maresca also defended goalkeeper Robert Sanchez amid criticism following recent errors. “I fully trust Robert Sanchez. How many times has Caicedo missed a pass? Many times. How many times has Nico missed a goal? Many times. How many times has Noni missed a cross? Many times. Robert has made four mistakes” the Italian manager added.

Regarding the lack of minutes for João Félix and Christopher Nkunku, Maresca attributed it to his tactical preference for Cole Palmer as an attacking midfielder. “João Félix is a Chelsea player, top player. The problem for João and Christopher Nkunku is the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder, Palmer. They struggle to get minutes, not for any different reasons. They are top players” he explained.

Addressing the midfield situation, Maresca ruled out recalling Andrey Santos or Ugochukwu, citing sufficient depth in the squad. “The intention is not to go for a midfielder. We’ve got enough players in midfield to cover, Moises, Enzo, and Kiernan” he added.

SportingPedia covers the latest news and predictions in the sports industry. Here you can also find extensive guides for betting on Soccer, NFL, NBA, NHL, Tennis, Horses as well as reviews of the most trusted betting sites.

 Author: Paul Kemp

Related News

  • Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Donny van de Beek from Manchester United on loan in January Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is on the brink of a move to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The Dutch international, who joined United in September 2020 for £35 million, is set to undergo medical tests as part of his imminent transfer within the next 24 hours. The proposed deal involves a loan arrangement […]
  • Tottenham to sign Timo Werner Timo Werner is close to returning to the Premier League. Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham is extremely close to signing the German player and has already reached an agreement with his club RB Leipzig. Werner will initially move on loan, with a non-mandatory buy option inserted in the contract, which is believed to be set […]
  • Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season Today, 26th of January 2024 is not a good day for Liverpool fans around the world. In a shocking revelation for the club’s internet page, the German manager confesed that he will be leaving the position at the end of the current season. Klopp was appointed as the Reds’ head coach in 2015, inheriting the […]
  • Postecoglou confirms Tottenham will be without Porro and Udogie for the Wolves clash at the weekend Tottenham Hotspur is currently facing challenges with injuries among its key players. Manager Ange Postecoglou provided an update on the team’s condition, revealing that Pedro Porro, the Spurs’ starting right-back, has suffered a strain in training and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Destiny Udogie, Porro’s colleague on the left part […]
  • McDonald’s to become major sponsor in France, Ligue 1 to be named after the company In a marketing move, the fast-food chain McDonald’s has secured the naming rights for France’s premier football league. The deal signals the end of the “Ligue 1 Uber Eats” era. From the 2024/25 season onwards the French league will be known as “Ligue 1 McDonald’s.” The new partnership, valued at €20 million per year, is […]
»