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Chelsea's manager has suggested that his team is experiencing the aftermath" of their previous Club World Cup campaign, with a large group of players unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against the Reds.

Present Injury Status

Key attacker the young star is sidelined with a recurring groin injury, adding to the list of long-term absentees that includes Fofana, Liam Delap, Colwill, Santos, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Moreover, Chalobah is suspended following his red card in the last loss to the Seagulls.

"It's the truth," the coach stated. "Given that PSG and we have so many injuries, probably it's the result from the Club World Cup. In this moment we have four or five defenders out, but we're going to try to adjust and discover the best answer."

Study Highlights Fixture Concerns

A recent study from the worldwide football union the organization showed that Chelsea squad were given three weeks off after claiming victory in the competition in July, while PSG, the defeated finalists, rested their team members for 22 days. The report linked this high workload to the injury problems experienced by the two teams.

Maresca expressed agreement with the study's conclusions and emphasized his faith in the youthful talent who will fill the gaps. The 19-year-old defender is likely to earn his fourth Premier League start in the backline.

Trust in Youth

"It is challenging," Maresca admitted, "however at the same time we believe in the ones that are here. For sure, when you can rotate one individual after four or five matches, it's better. The more you play alongside with colleagues, the understanding grows better. Sometimes you don't have to talk to execute an action on the field – they grasp instantly. When you persist to change it's more difficult."

"But I really trust the young players. Not only the young players that we buy but additionally the academy graduates from the youth system. We gave opportunities last season to Josh so that demonstrates that I rely on young players."

Disciplinary Record Discussed

Turning to conduct concerns, the manager stated he is unworried by the team's record of dismissals. The squad has been shown three send-offs in their previous three games, featuring João Pedro's dismissal in the European victory over the Portuguese side.

After his appointment in mid-2024, the club has the worst disciplinary record among Premier League teams, with multiple red cards in 73 matches – a red card every ten point four fixtures. Furthermore, they lead the league for yellow cards under his leadership, with 114 bookings.

"I don't see any conduct problem," Maresca remarked. "It's necessary to analyse each incident individually. When it's a dismissal for bad intention or for bad discipline, it's distinct compared to the United incident or the Seagulls red card. In that case, it's simply a decision that you have to take in an instant, three seconds. Should I commit foul or not? It's difficult."