Enzo Maresca Discusses Palmer’s Injury and Player Opportunities

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, addressed the media ahead of the Europa Conference League match scheduled for Thursday against Noah, set to kick off at 20:00. The following are the main points from his press conference: Cole Palmer “didn’t train in the last two days” due to an injury sustained during the match against Manchester United, which Maresca described as resulting from “the tackle that was not a normal one.” Despite this, Maresca expressed optimism that Palmer would be available for Sunday’s fixture against Arsenal. Additionally, Jadon Sancho’s condition is set to be evaluated. Maresca confirmed that alterations would be made to the squad for the upcoming game, clarifying that these changes were not “because of Sunday’s big game” but rather because the club possesses “24/25 players all fit and good enough to play different competitions.” When questioned about the morale of players participating in cup matches, he responded: “It’s not a problem for me. I understand from the outside you can see two teams, but we are just one team, one squad of 24/25 players – all fit and we are going to try to use all of them.” Maresca further stated that players who do not perform adequately in training sessions would not be selected for matches. Addressing a query about whether failing to win the Conference League would constitute a failure for Chelsea, he remarked: “If we play the final probably yes, but the main thing is the group stage and to go through that, after the group stage, we see. If we play the final and don’t win that – for sure. Now you can not think about the final.” Regarding Noah, he noted that the Armenian team possesses “good players” but admitted he doesn’t “know how they are going to play.” Maresca expressed that he “feels ashamed about Joao [Felix]” and indicated his desire to provide him with increased playing time in the Premier League. He cited the necessity for “defensive balance” as a contributing factor and further commented that “if Joao keeps working well he’s going to find his moment in the Premier League.” Maresca also stated: “We can say the same for Christopher Nkunku. Every time he plays he scores, he does well and was probably the best player in pre-season as an attacking midfielder – no doubt. Now we are using him as a nine which is not his position. I try to find a solution and balance with all of them, I can understand not all of them can be in their position and have to adapt. They all deserve more chances in the Premier League.”