“We are going to have problems this season” – Enzo Maresca delivers worrying update for Chelsea fans
Enzo Maresca has admitted that Chelsea will face a challenge this season with player fitness due to the extended 2024/25 season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has ruled out Cole Palmer from the Fulham clash, and he joined Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Romeo Lavia on the sidelines. He also revealed that Moises Caicedo has had just one training session since Chelsea’s win over West Ham United.
The Blues started the 2024/25 season in July 2024, with a pre-season tour of the United States, before returning to begin their Premier League campaign. They also played in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers last summer and went on to play every single game of the tournament en route to winning it.
Chelsea also participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, having qualified by winning the 2021 UEFA Champions League. The Blues went on to win the competition as well, playing an additional seven matches in the season.
Maresca has now admitted that the extended season will impact their current campaign. Colwill suffered an ACL injury on his return to pre-season training, and Palmer has now picked up a groin issue after carrying it throughout the FIFA Club World Cup.
Caicedo was also a key figure last season and is now facing a late fitness test ahead of the Fulham match on Saturday, August 30. Speaking to the media, Maresca said:
“I don’t think that it is random that our three players with the most minutes last year were Levi [Colwill], Cole and Moi [Caicedo]. Levi is injured, Cole too and Moi today only had his first training session since the West Ham game.
“It is not random, it is the amount of games. Look at [Manchester] City last year, they lost Rodri after two or three games. He was a player that had the most minutes for them. We are going to have problems this season for sure because of last season. But It’s about how we can adapt and get players to recover.”
Estevao Willian replaced Cole Palmer in the starting XI against West Ham United, and impressed. However, Maresca admitted that they need the Englishman back as he is their key player, but added that they would not rush him back on the pitch.
