Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, and Moises Caicedo have been named to start on the bench as the Chelsea XI to face Burnley is revealed ahead of today’s Premier League clash at Turf Moor.
Robert Sanchez continues in goal behind a back four of Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. This comes as the Blues look to manage their resources at the start of a pivotal week that also includes matches against Barcelona and Arsenal.
In midfield, Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos partners Enzo Fernandez at the base of a 4-2-3-1, with Joao Pedro operating as the central playmaker. Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens are deployed on the wings, supporting centre-forward Liam Delap, giving opportunities to several players who have either been easing back from injury or have had limited minutes recently.
The selection means headline summer arrivals Estevao and Garnacho, along with first-choice holding midfielder Caicedo, are held in reserve. This is despite Chelsea sitting third and chasing a third successive league win.
Maresca’s choices come after he confirmed a significant setback for Cole Palmer but a series of boosts elsewhere in his squad.
“Cole won’t be available for tomorrow, no,” the Italian said when revealing that the attacker will also miss upcoming games against Barcelona and Arsenal after fracturing his toe in an accident at home. He also stressed that Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Benoit Badiashile, and Caicedo are all back in contention following recent fitness issues and international duty.
Enzo Maresca Speaks About Chelsea’s Improvements and Facing Burnley
The Chelsea head coach has also highlighted his team’s growing effectiveness without the ball, pointing to the benefits of time on the training ground. The time spent together is, in his view, a key reason why Chelsea now look more comfortable pressing and able to “recover the ball as soon as possible.” Now, Burnley away offers another test of that progress.
Ahead of the trip he warned that “It’s always a tricky game and we need to pay attention,” underlining his respect for Scott Parker’s side despite Chelsea’s strong away record at Turf Moor.
Benching Estevao, Garnacho, and Caicedo underlines the depth Maresca now has at his disposal. Estevao and Garnacho both impressed in the 3-0 win over Wolves before the international break, the Brazilian teenager assisting Joao Pedro, and the Argentine winger supplying two further goals.
Their presence among the substitutes ensures Chelsea have substantial firepower to change the game if required at Turf Moor.