Chelsea Faces big Major Blow as Four Chelsea players set to miss Liverpool clash
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Chelsea are set for a major clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool this Sunday, but manager Enzo Maresca will have to contend with the absence of four key players from his squad. Chelsea currently sit in fourth place with 14 points after seven matches. After a tough start with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the opening week, the Blues have since bounced back, remaining unbeaten in the league. Meanwhile, Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, are at the top of the table with 18 points from their seven games.
Chelsea’s Injuries and Suspensions for the Liverpool Clash
Four Chelsea players are expected to miss the trip to Anfield, including Euro 2024-winning left-back Marc Cucurella and French center-back Wesley Fofana. Both defenders have accumulated five yellow cards in their last five league appearances, ruling them out through suspension for this crucial game. Maresca might look to new signing Renato Veiga to fill in for Cucurella, especially as Veiga recently made his international debut for Portugal.
In addition to Cucurella and Fofana, two other players will miss the match. Omari Kellyman, the young striker signed from Aston Villa, is still sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Despite not yet making his Chelsea debut, Kellyman’s absence won’t drastically affect the team’s setup. Lastly, 20-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also doubtful, having missed the last two matches due to illness. Like Kellyman, Chukwuemeka has mainly been used as a substitute, so his absence is not expected to impact the squad significantly.
How These Absences Affect Chelsea
The absence of Cucurella and Fofana could be a significant blow to Chelsea’s defense, as both have been crucial in stabilizing the backline this season. Fofana’s solid performances in the center of defense and Cucurella’s contributions on the left flank will be missed against Liverpool’s high-tempo attack. Maresca will need to rely on the depth of his squad and perhaps trust players like Veiga to step up in their absence.
However, the absences of Kellyman and Chukwuemeka are unlikely to cause major disruption, given that neither player has been a key figure in the starting lineup so far this season.
A Crucial Match for Both Clubs
With just four points separating Chelsea and Liverpool, this match could have significant implications not only for these two teams but also for the other clubs in the top six. Maresca has been using a consistent starting lineup as Chelsea continue to produce good results in the league, so while these absences are not ideal, the Blues will be looking to continue their unbeaten run and push for a result at Anfield.
How Maresca adapts tactically to these absences, particularly in defense, will be key as Chelsea aim to stop Liverpool’s unbeaten run and keep themselves in the mix at the top of the table.
