While the questions put to Enzo Maresca hardly focused on Tuesday night’s clash with Cardiff, we did get some concrete Chelsea team news.
It’s hectic at Chelsea at the moment.
Since Saturday, the manager’s sharp comments have dominated the news as you would expect.
Maresca’s stance is that he is focused on Chelsea and getting positive results, not wishing to add any more fuel to that particular fire.
Then, the conversation steered to his players. We expect a fully-rotated Chelsea XI against Cardiff, and one player’s involvement has been ruled out completely.
Finish off our team to face Cardiff!
Who would you start out wide?
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Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer can’t feature
Chelsea fans were delighted to witness Cole Palmer’s return against Everton at the weekend, and more so to see him find the net at Stamford Bridge for the first time in over seven months.
His return was all positive, but Maresca has let us know that we shouldn’t expect another outing so soon.
As Football London report, he said: “I already said many times, Cole is one of the players that deserves to be protected. He is not available to play two games in three days.”
No one was expecting him to start, but it sounds like Palmer won’t even be called upon later in the tie.
It’s the right call from the Chelsea boss. The last thing we need is another injury, and the Blues should have enough for the League One leaders anyway.
Chelsea’s last game against Cardiff was back in 2019
Neil Warnock was left raging after Chelsea scored twice late on to win 2-1. Can you remember who scored for the Blues?
Cardiff City v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Importance of the tie not lost on Maresca
It might be a game Chelsea expect to win — against a side competing two divisions below — but anything can happen in cup competition.
The chance to reach a third semi-final in short order is what’s at stake, and Maresca recognises the importance.
He remarks: “Since I joined the club, I always tried to say the same; building a winning mentality by winning games. Tomorrow is another chance to be in another semi-final and it’s an important moment for everyone at the club. I think we are in the right direction.”
Palmer or no, Chelsea have to win this game. Otherwise, things may get ugly.
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