Enzo Maresca says playing banished Chelsea star is ‘not currently an option’ despite injury problems
Enzo Maresca is facing multiple injury concerns, but he has ruled out bringing one star back into the squad against Brighton.
Maresca faces a defining fortnight at Chelsea with Brighton the first of three consecutive home matches.
Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Man United leaves the Blues sixth in the Premier League table, having also dropped points against Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Robert Sanchez will be able to start after he served his suspension against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup, but the goalkeeper faces a new centre-back partnership in-front of him.
Enzo Maresca provides Chelsea injury update and Axel Disasi verdict
Both defenders Wes Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo will miss Chelsea’s clash against Brighton.
Levi Colwill’s ACL injury means he is not an option to partner Trevoh Chalobah in the heart of defence.
Axel Disasi, alongside Raheem Sterling, has not been involved in first-team matters this season, and Maresca ruled out the possibility of the 27-year-old returning for the Brighton match.
As per Ben Jacobs on X, [26 September], Maresca said: “There is not any information from the club to consider [playing Axel Disasi], so it’s not currently an option.”
Maresca confirmed that 19-year-old Josh Acheampong has recovered from illness to be able to take part, and he is expected to partner Chalobah.
| Clean Sheets | 2 |
| Goals Conceded per match | 1.0 |
| xG Conceded | 5.7 |
| GK saves per match | 2.6 |
Maresca also faces Cole Palmer issue
As well as defensively, Maresca also confirmed that Cole Palmer will not be available to Chelsea before the international break.
Palmer has two goals this season, but an ongoing groin problem is hindering his performances.
With the influential Palmer out, Maresca needs to work out a solution to ensure Chelsea do not lose any creativity or threat going forward.
Acheampong therefore may not be his major worry against Brighton, as the defender did start and keep a clean sheet alongside Chalobah on the opening matchday against Crystal Palace.