Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a significant selection headache ahead of Wednesday night's Premier League trip to Leeds United, with two key midfielders set to miss the Elland Road encounter.
Key Absences Force Chelsea Reshuffle
The Blues will be without Moises Caicedo for their next three matches following his red card for a dangerous tackle on Arsenal's Mikel Merino during Sunday's 1-1 draw. The Ecuadorian's suspension is a major blow, given his influential form this season.
Further compounding Maresca's issues is the fitness of captain Reece James. The versatile star, who has been deployed in midfield recently due to injuries, played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal but is being carefully managed. When asked if James would start against Leeds, Maresca stated, 'It's complicated. I would like to start him every game, but we need to see.'
Maresca's Midfield Contenders
With Caicedo suspended and James likely needing a rest, the Chelsea boss must find a new partner for Enzo Fernandez in the engine room. The Argentine is expected to drop back into a deeper role after playing further forward against the Gunners.
Andrey Santos appears the prime candidate to step in for his fourth league start of the campaign. Maresca confirmed the Brazilian's readiness, saying, 'Andrey is ready. His position is playing as a No.6, like Moi, but he is ready. When players are not available, we need to find solutions.'
Santos impressed in his last start, a 2-0 win over Burnley on November 22, completing a remarkable 13 defensive actions and later calling it his best performance for the club.
An alternative option is Josh Acheampong, a defender also capable of playing in defensive midfield. The youngster has been an unused substitute in Chelsea's last four league games, leaving him fresh. Maresca acknowledged his potential, noting, 'One that can play good in that position is Josh, but we will see.'
Attack Set for Changes Too
The midfield reshuffle will have a knock-on effect in attack. With Fernandez dropping deeper, an attacking midfield berth opens up. Cole Palmer is back from a groin injury and was on the bench against Arsenal, but Maresca indicated he is not yet ready to start.
'The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90 minutes,' the manager explained. This likely means a start for Joao Pedro in an advanced role, with Liam Delap leading the line against Leeds.
Chelsea's trip to Yorkshire represents a tricky test of their squad depth as they aim to maintain their momentum without two of their most important players.
