Enzo Maresca has provided a clear update. This is ahead of Chelsea F.C.’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Midfielder Romeo Lavia is ruled out. Talented winger Pedro Neto is still a doubt. They have a tight schedule and the squad issues are mounting. The Blues face a tricky selection task.
Lavia confirmed out
Maresca confirmed that Lavia will miss the Wolves game after sustaining an injury early during the 2-2 draw with Qarabag FK in the Champions League. He described the incident as “painful” and said they still don’t have full clarity on the severity. The Belgian’s absence adds to Chelsea’s midfield troubles.
🚨🇧🇷 Maresca: “Estevão is ready to start. If he starts, another one is on the bench who wants to start”.
“We try to do the best for Estevao. We are helping him adapt. Last week he was complaining about too cold [smiles], we are still October – imagine December/January!”. 😁❄️ pic.twitter.com/iXGfRureSC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2025
Neto under final test
Neto, a regular starter this season, did not travel for the midweek trip and has been undergoing assessments. Maresca said Neto had a session with the physio and would train today before a final decision is made. His availability remains uncertain.
Other absences remain
The injury list remains long. Cole Palmer is still out with a groin issue; defenders Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile are unavailable, while Dario Essugo remains sidelined with a thigh problem.
🚨⚠️ Maresca: “We don't have an update on Roméo Lavia at the moment, so we need to wait to see some hours to do all the checks. It's painful, so we need to do the checks”.
“We tried to minimise minutes for him but it still didn’t work… it’s a shame”. pic.twitter.com/3KV4YMdJlH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2025
What this means vs Wolves
With Lavia out and Neto uncertain, Chelsea must shuffle their midfield and attacking options. Maresca may lean on younger players or rotate heavily — especially given the fast turnaround from the midweek fixture. Wolves, struggling themselves, could pose a threat if Chelsea don’t find cohesion.
Author’s Insight
Here’s the bottom line: Chelsea face a key test not just against Wolves, but in how they deal with absences. Lavia’s injury hurts, Neto’s fitness worry adds uncertainty, and the wider list means Maresca must be smart. The game is winnable. Only if Maresca adapts his squad, keeps momentum from the draw. For Chelsea fans, this is a moment to see how deep the squad really is. Also whether the club can handle pressure without their first-choice names.
As featured on Chelseanews.com