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Opinion: Enzo Maresca will be hoping Chelsea star is fit for Forest after colossal display last season

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping that his side produce a similar performance against Nottingham Forest to what they did when the pressure was on.

The Blues travelled to the City Ground on the final day of last season knowing that a win would secure them Champions League football for the next campaign.

Jamie Carragher doubted Chelsea’s chances, however they walked away with all three points following a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 win.

Levi Colwill took all the headlines with his second half strike, however his defensive partner, Tosin Adarabioyo, enjoyed a colossal performance at the back as the Blues soaked up plenty of pressure.

Tosin Adarabioyo playing for Chelsea against Los Angeles Football Club at the Club World Cup.

Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Enzo Maresca needs Tosin Adarabioyo to be fit for Forest vs Chelsea

The centre-back had been in and out of the team in the final few months of the season, after Trevoh Chalobah’s return from his loan at Crystal Palace, however Maresca wanted his experience and leadership in the side in a one-game shootout.

Despite leading nearly half of the game, Chelsea were under pressure from their opponents, who were also chasing their own place in the Champions League.

Tosin was a wall at the back, as the Blues held on to what proved a crucial clean sheet in Nottingham.

Tosin Adarabioyo vs Forest Total

Minutes 90

Passes into final third 11

Clearances 12

Duels won 5/7

Dribbled Past 0

Despite Forest’s fortunes looking very different right now to what they were back in May, Maresca will still be hoping that his defender will be fit to play, with injuries plaguing the backline at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

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Tosin Adarabioyo injury status

Maresca confirmed Tosin would return after the international break, with him being one of the many centre-backs who were not fit to face Liverpool in their last game.

Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Chalobah were also unavailable for the game, while Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong both went off injured during the game.

Both Fofana and Chalobah are set to be available again, however Tosin’s presence is something that Chelsea have been missing in recent weeks, with his passing into midfield something that has been lacking.

It remains to be seen if Maresca will confirm his status in the days leading up to the Forest clash on Saturday.

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