Enzo Maresca is facing a big challenge ahead of his Chelsea team’s crucial clash against Liverpool at Anfield as two key players, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, will be unavailable for the match due to suspensions, as per SunSports.
The duo picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in Chelsea’s recent draw against Nottingham Forest.
The match, which ended 1-1 despite numerous missed chances, was marred by a late brawl that saw Cucurella receive his yellow card.
Fofana was also booked earlier in the game, reaching the five-card threshold.
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Fofana, Cucurella absence presents new challenge for Chelsea boss Maresca
Maresca, who has been working to establish a consistent starting XI, will now have to make adjustments to his team for the Liverpool match.
The suspension of Cucurella and Fofana is a major blow for Chelsea as they prepare to face the Premier League leaders.
Candidates to take Fofana’s place at center-back are Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.
Tosin Adarabioyo, on the other hand, seems to be the most likely candidate to start beside Levi Colwill based on appearances this term.
Regarding Cucurella’s replacement at left-back, Maresca may choose to start Ben Chilwell, an outcast who was recently added back to the senior team.
However, it is far more likely that recent acquisition Renato Veiga will start after scoring the first goal of his Chelsea career in the team’s 4-2 victory over Gent on Thursday.