Chelsea welcomes Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, but the star’s host who could miss the current injury could potentially be biting on both sides
Chelsea welcomed Liverpool from Stamford Bridge to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with both sides needing results for their own reasons. Each team aims to join the game with concern for a few weeks and head for an international break with positive notes.
Also, both Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot are hoping for a productive night in West London, but each manager has some idea about the start of XI and the injury is beginning to settle.
Chelsea boss Maresca has found himself with a long list of players that are not available due to the collision, and could force important tactical adjustments ahead of the encounter this weekend. Long-term victims Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Levi Colwill have eschewed the problems.
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They are in the treatment room accompanied by Star playmaker Cole Palmer. Cole Palmer’s gro caliber issue is expected to keep him out until after a future international break. While some Chelsea stars are expected to make a comeback earlier than late, this weekend’s showdown could arrive prematurely for recovery.
Centre back Tosin Adarabioyo is nursing calf complaints, but Brazilian midfielder Andri Santos is set to miss a few more weeks.
The defensive headaches spread throughout the team. French defender Wesley Fofana is not expecting it to be featured this weekend as she continues to work on concussion protocols.
Trevo Charova also found himself unavailable after receiving a march order in a clash with Brighton last weekend. Plus, winger Mykhailo Mudryk continues to provide his suspension.
Speaking at a pre-match briefing, Boss Maresca admitted that his team felt the tension of their fitness issues. “It’s very difficult, very difficult, very difficult, very difficult,” Maresca said.
“Again, they do a lot because it’s something they play, so there’s a big risk that they can get hurt.
“We lost Andrei Santos against Brighton, for example. Brighton will be out after an international break. Unfortunately, there are seven or eight players out at this moment.
“So it’s difficult because we struggled to repeat the same XI, but that’s what it is. We need to adapt to the game and win, so winning tonight is so important, and it was important the other day, but unfortunately we didn’t win.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are fighting the issue, but there has been an update of encouragement from Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are both available for choice, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker is on the sidelines after being injured against Galatasaray.
At a pre-match press conference, Arne Slot revealed:
“Hugo (Ekitike) will train again today, and the same can be said about Federico (Chiesa). Alysson would be surprised if he was there in his first game after the international break, but after that he is not sure if he will recover.”
The Reds’ only long-term concern remains Italian defender Giovanni Leoni who had surgery due to serious knee problems.
Who wins between Liverpool and Chelsea? Share your predictions in the comments below
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