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Chelsea's manager has suggested that his team is experiencing the " consequences of their previous global tournament involvement, with a significant group of squad members unavailable for the forthcoming match against Liverpool.

Present Fitness Situation

Important attacker Cole Palmer is out with a persistent groin problem, joining the list of lengthy absentees that features Fofana, Liam Delap, Colwill, Santos, and Adarabioyo. Moreover, Trevoh Chalobah is banned following his dismissal in the last loss to Brighton.

"This is the truth," Maresca stated. "If PSG and we have a high number of fitness issues, likely it's the result from the tournament. In this moment we have several defenders out, but we're going to try to adjust and find the right answer."

Report Highlights Fixture Concerns

A newly released report from the worldwide football union the organization showed that the club's players were given 20 days off after winning the Club World Cup in July, while Paris Saint-Germain, the defeated runners-up, gave breaks to their team members for over three weeks. The report connected this intense workload to the injury problems faced by the two clubs.

The Italian manager expressed agreement with the study's conclusions and emphasized his faith in the youthful players who will fill the gaps. Josh Acheampong is likely to earn his fourth top-flight start in the backline.

Trust in Youth

"This is difficult," Maresca conceded, "but at the same moment we believe in the players that are available. For certain, when you can change one individual after four or five games, it's better. The longer you play alongside with teammates, the understanding grows stronger. Sometimes you don't have to speak to execute something on the field – they grasp instantly. When you persist to change it's increasingly hard."

"Yet I really have faith in the young players. Not only the young players that we buy but additionally the young players from the academy. We provided opportunities last season to Acheampong so that demonstrates that I trust the next generation."

Conduct Record Addressed

Regarding disciplinary concerns, Maresca claimed he is unworried by Chelsea's history of red cards. The team has received three red cards in their previous as many games, including a player's dismissal in the European victory over the Portuguese side.

Since Maresca appointment in June 2024, the club has the worst conduct stats among top-flight clubs, with seven dismissals in seventy-three games – one every 10.4 fixtures. Furthermore, they lead the division for cautions under his leadership, with 114 bookings.

"I don't see a discipline problem," Maresca remarked. "It's necessary to review case by case. When it's a red card for malicious intent or for poor behavior, it's different from the Manchester United incident or the Seagulls sending-off. In those cases, it's just a decision that you have to take in two seconds, three seconds. Do I commit foul or not? It's difficult."