Enzo Maresca has shared multiple injury updates, concerning key players, ahead of Chelsea's first leg Conference League showdown with FC Copenhagen on Thursday evening.
After winning all of their league phases games, leaving them top of the table, Chelsea drew leading Danish outfit Copenhagen. Yesterday saw Maresca confirm the squad that would travel to Scandinavia.
The Italian head coach also shared updated information on Chelsea's latest injuries. In the last few weeks, Chelsea fans have seen the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke all side-lined owing to various problems.
The news ahead of tonight's European fixture looks hopeful, though. Trevor Chalobah is featured in the squad for the first time since suffering a back injury against Aston Villa. The 25-year-old has played six times for Chelsea this season after returning from loan at Crystal Palace where he scored three goals in 14 appearances.
Maresca also spoke in his press conference about Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana. Badiashile picked up a muscle injury back in early December, while Fofana suffered a thigh problem around the same time.
"They [Chalobah and Badiashile] are both ready," Maresca said. "Trevoh was not something serious so he is okay. Benoit has been training in the past 10 days, probably even more. Wes is not in the squad but he is back."
Trevoh Chalobah in Chelsea training last month.
Trevoh Chalobah in Chelsea training last month. (Image: Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
A fourth and final piece of good injury news regards Romeo Lavia. The Belgian is still recovering from a knock he sustained in January, but Maresca has said he's back in Cobham.
The Italian manager continued: "Romeo has started to train with us in the last two days. Slowly but surely we are getting players back and ready for the final bit of the season.
"We said that already a few times, unfortunately our bad moment started with the amount of injuries [we have] but some of them are already back and in the process to be back. It is a huge boost for me - and for the players."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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