Chelsea Face Fresh Injury Concerns Ahead of Wolves Test
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a worrying injury update on two key players ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Blues face potential absences in midfield and attack as they prepare for their weekend fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Lavia's Ongoing Fitness Struggle
Romeo Lavia faces another spell on the sidelines after being forced off with a quad problem during Chelsea's 2-2 Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday. The midfielder managed just eight minutes before the injury struck, adding to his lengthy history of fitness issues since joining the club.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca confirmed the severity of the situation. "We need to wait still some hours to do all the checks that he needs, but for sure at the moment he's injured," the Chelsea head coach stated. "It's painful, so we need to do all the checks and then we'll see. It's a shame."
Maresca expressed particular frustration given the club's efforts to manage Lavia's minutes carefully. "It's a shame in this moment also because we are trying to minimise minutes for him. But even with that, he's injured again. We need to insist until we don't find the right solution for him."
Neto's Race Against Time
Meanwhile, Pedro Neto remains a doubt for the Wolves match as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained during Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Tottenham last week. The winger's participation hangs in the balance despite showing positive signs in training.
"He had a session yesterday with the physio outside on the pitch," Maresca revealed. "It was good, and today he will travel with us and then we'll take the final decision." This suggests Neto could still feature if he passes a late fitness test before the Saturday clash.
Midfield Consequences and Estevao Ready
The latest injury to Lavia has significant implications for Chelsea's midfield options, particularly affecting Moises Caicedo. Maresca admitted the Ecuadorian international now cannot be rested as much as he would prefer.
"Absolutely, yes," Maresca confirmed when asked if Lavia's absence impacts Caicedo's rotation. "When you have a chance to rotate also. And the other day, I think we said already, two or three times, that we have Caicedo, we have Enzo Fernandez, we have Pedro Neto, we have Joao Pedro, that they are all players that they are not training every day, because of small issues."
The Chelsea boss highlighted his limited alternatives, noting: "In the past, we used Andrey Santos as a No.6. In the past, we used also Josh as a No.6. And Reece is playing as a No.6. But for sure, when you have more options, it's better."
In more positive news, Maresca confirmed that young talent Estevao is "ready to start" against Wolves if selected. However, the manager acknowledged the challenges the Brazilian is facing adapting to English conditions.
"He's ready to start," Maresca stated. "For sure he's ready to start. But if Estevao starts, another one is on the bench. And probably the other one also wants to start. We just try to do the best for Estevao."
"We are helping him in terms of adapt to England. Again, last week he was complaining about it being cold. Last week was still October. Imagine December, January! He has to adapt. He's happy. He's doing fantastic. For sure he's a talented player for this club."
