**Chelsea**fans and analysts are worried about Joao Felix being absent from the squad for their Conference League match against FC Astana. But Chelsea’s talented forward did not travel with the team because of an unspecified issue. There are huge consequences for the player and the club in this situation.
Chelsea player Joao Felix, 25, has been in stellar form in the Conference League with four goals in four matches. Yet, he made it a habit to score two of not one against Panathinaikos and FC Noah. His attacking potential is on display. But he’s had limited opportunities in the Premier League. It’s largely because of the gangbusters form of winger Cole Palmer who is now starting in the number 10 role.
Nearly a week ago on Sunday, against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Joao Felix came on as a second-half substitute and assisted in Chelsea’s dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory. His performance suggested he’d be on the travelling squad for the journey to Kazakhstan.
He was, however, missing from both training groups at Cobham Wednesday morning and he has not trained since then. He of course reportedly picked up an injury in training. Which meant that he couldn’t make the eight-hour trip to Almaty.
Joao Felix to miss the game against Astana
Chelsea, as yet, has not confirmed the nature of Félix’s problem. But sources suggest it is bad enough to keep him off the pitch for this crucial game. The club will be hoping he can quickly recover to be available for their next Premier League match against Brentford on Sunday evening.
Chelsea will also be without other first-team players including Félix and Mykhailo Mudryk due to illness, complicating further the selection of their group. But what about after Félix’s absence for Chelsea? At this point, he is so in form and goal-scoring ability that without him, the team has little attacking option.
Enzo Maresca, chairman of the head coach, predicts she will rotate her squad during this busy period. And so he has already left several first-team players back in England to manage fatigue and to make sure they are fit for league matches to come.
Younger players will be under pressure to perform at a high level with this strategy because if they do, it may pay off, but it will also put more pressure on them to perform at a high level.
Chelsea to look for options
However, with Félix out, as he recovers quickly and gets back to his best Chelsea then could look towards the Brazilian for vital roles in their season as they seek to win on two fronts – both domestically and in Europe. He will have a big part to play in building momentum with other forwards, like Cole Palmer.
However, Chelsea are without their key player in João Félix’s injury and face FC Astana with a loss. The reason why his absence is the case is that teams have a difficult task when it comes to balancing squad rotation and player fitness during a hectic season.
Fans will be keen to see how Chelsea adapts and how quickly Félix can return if he is to make another valuable contribution as they go in search of both domestic and European success.
Live Update
Chelsea have named their 20-man travelling squad to Kazakhstan as they prepare to face FC Astana. One is full of young talent, some of whom are ready to make an impression on this European stage. Recent contract negotiations by the club have secured the future of players like Josh Acheampong and he will have a key role to play for the group going forward.
Maresca stressed that this tie is an important fixture while also keeping one eye on the Premier League. Managing player fitness is important as this is the type of travel and intensity of fixtures coming up, he said. They want to win another in order to lock in a top place in their group.
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