Wednesday night was brutally disappointing for Chelsea fans because they ended up with just a point from a game where three were essential.
That disappointing final result distracted from another blow which came just a few minutes into the match.
Romeo Lavia, who has struggled with injuries ever since signing for Chelsea, picked up his latest problem and limped off, forcing Moises Caicedo to prematurely end his much needed rest and come on.
Enzo Maresca admits Lavia is causing him problems
Romeo Lavia in action for Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
In his press conference today, manager Enzo Maresca admitted that always missing Caicedo’s backup was costing the team in terms of how often the Ecuador star had to play:
“Absolutely, yes. When you have a chance to rotate [it’s also a problem].
“The other day, I think we said already, two or three times, that we have Caicedo, we have Enzo Fernandez, we have Pedro Neto, we have Joao Pedro, that they are all players that they are not training every day, because of small issues. So if we are able to give them some time off, rest, it’s better. But in this moment, you see, Moi, the other day, after five minutes, he was on the pitch.”
The coach did also point out that he had other options in midfield – yet he opted for Caicedo instead of any of these alternatives:
“In the past, we used Andrey Santos as a No.6. In the past, we used also Josh [Acheampong] as a No.6. And Reece is playing as a No.6. But for sure, when you have more options, it’s better.”
In other news…
Pedro Neto will have a key role to play tomorrow against his old team, if he can shrug off an injury which ruled him out in midweek. A piece talking to his old coaches revealed how they were keeping him in shape.
Maresca used his press conference today to defend his decision to keep changing centre-backs, claiming that the solid clean sheet record his team has proves there’s no problem doing that.
More Stories about Romeo Lavia
Enzo Maresca speaking in his Wolves press conference.
Todd Boehly, co-owner and Chairman of Chelsea, looks on from the stands.
Enzo Maresca gives a message to Romeo Lavia.