Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has just provided a double boost on the fitness of two players ahead of this weekend’s match against Aston Villa.
First of all, Chelsea’s immediate focus will be on Thursday evening’s group stage match away to Heidenheim in the Conference League.
The Blues have travelled to Germany for the midweek clash with a 21-man squad, which does include plenty of youngsters and gives some high-profile individuals time to rest.
Position Players
Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom
Defenders Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga
Midfielders Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kiano Dyer, Samuel Rak-Sakyi
Forwards Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Jadon Sancho, Marc Guiu, Shumaira Mheuka, Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea’s 21-man squad to face Heidenheim confirmed via the club’s official website
Afterwards, Chelsea are back in Premier League action when they host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on November 27, 2024 in Cobham, England.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca gives positive update on Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto
Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto both missed last Saturday’s 2-1 league victory away to Leicester City.
Chelsea winger Neto missed the Leicester game through injury, while teammate Gusto was absent from the defence because of illness. Thankfully, Maresca provides good news about the pair during Thursday night’s pre-match press conference for the Heidenheim game.
Neto and Gusto are both absent from the travelling Blues squad for the Conference League, but it sounds like they’ll be back and available to face Villa on Sunday.
When asked if Neto and Gusto will be ready to face Villa this weekend after missing Leicester, Maresca said via Chelsea’s official YouTube channel: “Yes, I think so. They both trained with us. We don’t take any risk for tomorrow’s game. I think both can be available for Sunday’s game [against Villa].”
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It’ll be a significant boost to see the aforementioned pair return to the Chelsea line-up on the weekend.
Blues winger Neto, 24, was in some blistering form before picking up a knock during the international break with Portugal. Shaka Hislop named Neto the Premier League’s best summer signing after his impact at Chelsea this campaign.
As for 21-year-old full-back Gusto, he’s quietly been a key part of Maresca’s side. Remarkably, statistics rate Gusto as more impactful than Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.
Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto should return to Chelsea XI
Without doubt, Neto and Gusto should be recalled immediately to the starting line-up against Villa if they’re passed fit to play. It’s certainly a positive sign that both have been training this week.
Gusto should be restored to the Chelsea side at right-back, although Wesley Fofana did an alright job covering last weekend.
Meanwhile, Neto looked like Chelsea’s most dangerous winger before his small injury interruption.
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