With injuries and January departures depleting Chelsea’s squad, Enzo Maresca faces a tough balancing act in the Conference League, where he may have to rely on untested academy players or risk overworking key first-team stars.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing a squad selection dilemma as the Conference League knockout stages begin, with the squad significantly reduced after player exits and injuries. Throughout the group stage, Chelsea frequently rotated, making up to 10 changes per match, but this luxury is now under threat. Several fringe players, including João Félix and Axel Disasi, have left, while others such as Mykhailo Mudryk and Marc Guiu remain sidelined.
With first-team depth shrinking, Maresca may have to either call upon inexperienced academy players or risk key starters in a tightly packed schedule. The manager must decide whether to field a strong team to secure an early advantage against FC Copenhagen or preserve his best players for the Premier League and FA Cup. The decision could have major implications for Chelsea’s season and their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
