Chelsea travels to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag FK in Champions League action, aiming for their third consecutive win in the competition. However, manager Enzo Maresca faces squad rotation challenges due to a congested fixture list and several key injuries. Fans are eager to see how Maresca will balance the need for fresh legs with the importance of securing a vital away victory.
Injuries and suspensions are impacting Chelsea’s squad selection. Pedro Neto’s recent injury against Tottenham adds to the list of absentees, which already includes Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Cole Palmer. Mykhailo Mudryk is also unavailable due to suspension. That being said, Joao Pedro returns from suspension to bolster the attacking options for The Blues.
Chelsea’s injury woes and potential lineup changes against Qarabag
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Maresca acknowledged the challenges posed by the quick turnaround between matches.
“For sure, we need to rotate some of the players [against Qarabag] because we arrive back in London on Thursday morning at 6am, then on Saturday we have another game. So it’s a demanding schedule and we will try to adapt and do our best,” he stated in his pre-match press conference.
Regarding specific player updates, Maresca added, “We go day by day with Cole. He isn’t taking part in any sessions with the team. But we could have Benoit Badiashile available after the international break.”
This suggests Palmer remains a doubt, while Badiashile is nearing a return to full fitness.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Qarabag FK feat. academy prospects
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With rotation expected, Robert Sanchez is likely to retain his place in goal. Meanwhile, the back four could see changes, with Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Marc Cucurella potentially forming the defensive line. Acheampong’s inclusion would give the academy graduate valuable Champions League experience.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo is expected to partner with Andrey Santos in the double pivot. Joao Pedro’s return from suspension could see him slot into the number 10 role. Furthermore, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens are in line to feature as the wide attackers, supporting Marc Guiu, who could lead the line for Chelsea against Qarabag.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Qarabag FK: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Guiu
What does the Qarabag game mean for Maresca’s side
Chelsea’s Champions League campaign hinges on securing results in matches like this one against Qarabag. With a busy schedule and several injuries to navigate, Maresca will rely on his squad depth and tactical flexibility.
How the young players perform will also be crucial as Chelsea aim to maintain their momentum in Europe’s premier club competition. Securing a win in Azerbaijan would significantly boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.