Main man: Cole Palmer
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Crystal Palace visit the world champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the Blues are without a key player since Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during training.
That came days after Chalobah hobbled off with an ankle injury in their pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
But Maresca has since allayed fears of a lay-off for Chalobah and believes he could play against his former club Palace on Sunday.
“Trev is okay,” he said. The England international is expected to feature if called upon.
Asked whether Wesley Fofana is available, Maresca said: “He could be available. We will see.”
Tosin Adarabioyo, though, has reportedly picked up a knock in training, opening the door for Josh Acheampong to start in the middle. Maresca could also opt for Jorrel Hato there, though the Dutchman is more comfortable as a full back.
Romeo Lavia has not featured for Chelsea since completing 85 minutes in a round of 16 win over Benfica at the Club World Cup, when he suffered a “small muscle problem”.
Speaking on Friday morning, Maresca said: “Benoit [Badiashile] is in the process of coming back, Romeo [Lavia] the same.”
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In midfield, Maresca has more options now that Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos have joined the club, but he is likely to start Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez next to each other, with Cole Palmer either as a No10 or on the right wing.
Maresca must decide whether to select Joao Pedro or Liam Delap up front. One option would be to play Pedro as a winger, though he has staked a claim to lead the line alone after starring at the Club World Cup and continuing that form in pre-season.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro