Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made more changes to his side’s starting XI this season than any other Premier League manager.
The Champions League tie against Barcelona saw Maresca make five changes from the starting line-up in the win against Burnley four days earlier, bringing their total to 102 for the season.
The Blues, alongside Manchester City, were at a disadvantage from the off due to their participation in the Club World Cup over the summer in the United States.
This led to Chelsea not giving their players enough of an off-season, and has likely been a factor in injury concerns for a number of key players.
Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
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Chelsea could play 32 games before the end of March
Rested players such as Moises Caicedo and Estevao Willian came in to face Barcelona, with the Blues desperate to move up into the automatic qualifying spots, something their victory achieved.
While Chelsea would likely fancy themselves in a play-off tie, the reality is that it is two extra games, in a time period where the fixture pile-up is brutal.
According to The Telegraph, Premier League sides who are in the Champions League would have a total of 32 games to play before the end of March if they do need to play in a play-off match.
Chelsea are looking to compete on all four fronts this season, already making it to the quarter-finals of the League Cup and currently being Arsenal’s closest contenders to the top of the table.
Joao Pedro walking down Chelsea tunnel
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Chelsea injury update
The Blues can be expected to continue to ring the changes as the games come thick and fast in the coming weeks.
Chelsea’s injury list ahead of Arsenal clash
Levi Colwill (knee)
Dario Essugo (thigh)
Cole Palmer (groin/foot)
Romeo Lavia (thigh)
Chelsea are going to be without Levi Colwill for the majority of the season, however they could be about to welcome back one of their key players in time for their next game against Arsenal.
Cole Palmer has returned to Chelsea training, and while he missed the game against Barcelona, he has a chance of being involved against the Gunners.