Maresca will have one eye on Saturday’s league meeting with a Wolves side who will be something of an unknown quantity following the sacking of manager Vitor Pereira, but the Blues’ head coach knows Qarabag have the potential to frustrate his side when the two teams meet at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku.
Further clarity on the latest fitness issues within his squad will come when Maresca speaks to the media at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon before flying to Azerbaijan.
Long-term absentees Levi Colwill, [Benoit Badiashile](/topic/benoit-badiashile) and Dario Essugo remain sidelined through injury.
Maresca can choose between Robert Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen in goal, and similarly between Malo Gusto or Reece James at right-back. Either can also play in central midfield, though Chelsea have other strong options in that position.
Andrey Santos spoke at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, indicating that he will start the game.
**Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1):** Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Delap
**Injured:** Palmer, Colwill, Badiashile, Essugo
**Time and date:** 5:45pm BST on Wednesday, November 5, 2025
**Venue:** Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku