sportskeeda
ENZO MARESCA is gearing up for a wave of unsettled Chelsea players looking to transfer next month.
After clinching the top spot in the Conference League, they can focus on their European duties once again in March.
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This development presents a challenge for him in managing bench players who are short on match experience.
Affected players include Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, for whom the January transfer window offers a chance to find new clubs.
Coach Maresca stated: “There are players who, unfortunately, haven’t had much playing time with us, like Chilwell and Carney.
“These players are likely the first to want to leave, as they work hard in training and wish to be on the pitch. If they don’t get game time, it’s only natural they consider leaving.
“Every player’s situation is distinct.
“We will wait to see if some of them come to me with their requests to leave.
“I’m not worried about the next few months. What I can say is that we have plenty of matches coming up.
“If they keep the right mindset and work diligently, they will certainly find opportunities to play. Our goal is to create solutions for every player.
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“Next week, we face three matches. Then in January, the FA Cup begins.
“We will evaluate every game to assemble the best 11 players. We will assess the best fit for each match, and then see how it unfolds.”
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Maresca has reduced a squad that previously consisted of 43 players.
Even with a smaller squad, he still has prominent players like £56 million Christopher Nkunku — who endured a shower of toilet rolls from Shamrock fans during a European game on Thursday — and has seen limited starts in the Conference League with few appearances in the Premier League.
Likewise, £38.4 million forward Joao Felix has also had limited playing chances.
These high-priced, eager talents currently face minimal competition for the upcoming three months.
Chelsea is on an eight-match winning streak — their longest run in eight years.
A victory against Everton tomorrow could see them rise to the top spot, even if only temporarily until league leaders Liverpool meet Tottenham later.
Nonetheless, they are guaranteed to finish in the top two during Christmas for the first time since 2016, the year they went on to clinch the title.
Historically, they have won the title in all five seasons when they topped the table at Christmas, while they have never been victorious in the four instances they placed second by December 25th.
At present, Maresca has Felix back in training, although midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana are still sidelined with injuries.
Captain Reece James is anticipated to return to practice for the first time following his recent hamstring setback.
Maresca added: “We intend to keep our focus on the game, not getting distracted by the prospect of briefly leading.
“The objective remains the same; we prepare to win every match. Then, we will see what happens next.
“Yet, I consider Everton’s stadium to be tough not just for Chelsea; it’s a difficult place for any team. We will find out soon enough.
“A victory would place pressure on Liverpool. Ultimately, that concern is more theirs.”
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