Enzo Maresca spoke to the media before his midweek Champions League trip to Qarabag. While he was asked about some of the usual names and updated us on Pedro Neto, the most interesting tidbit was the return date given for one of the team’s standout defenders. Defensive options have been light so far this term, particularly left-footed ones with Trevoh Chalobah and others forced to play on the left of the back line and build up unnaturally with his weaker foot. With his latest press conference, the manager offered some hope for fans.
Top Chelsea Defender Set to Be Back After International Break
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### Other Updates
The manager was, of course, asked about the status of one Cole Palmer but remained vague, just noting that he’d love to have the Englishman available. He also discussed injured midfielder Dario Essugo and provided the negative response that the youngster will be absent until around the new year, either late December or early January.
**Read More:** [What Actually Is Chelsea’s Best XI](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2025/11/03/what-is-chelseas-best-xi/)
Portuguese winger Neto was ruled out of the Qarabag trip, the hard-working attacker came off late at the weekend. He was only clarified to be missing the Champions League match and so, could be back in time for Premier League Action.