Enzo Maresca has begun to get creative in his team selection as he tries to solve Chelsea’s ongoing injury crisis.
The 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa saw a number of interesting calls, with Pedro Neto starring up front at Villa Park.
The boss also started Reece James in midfield, allowing Malo Gusto to occupy a more familiar attacking full-back role.
A loss to their Champions League rivals saw them remain outside the top six, and an immediate turnaround is needed if they are to be playing amongst Europe’s elite next season.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah set for a week out after injury vs Aston Villa
Chelsea will look to bounce back this week as they host bottom of the table Southampton at Stamford Bridge. Their 5-1 win against the same opposition earlier this season saw fans chanting Maresca’s name in support.
Maresca has been without some key players in recent weeks. Injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu in the same game have left them without a recognised first team striker.
Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have both been absent at the back, while Trevoh Chalobah joined them on the treatment table after being subbed off early against Villa.
Maresca stated in his pre-match press conference that Chalobah was set to be out for a week or so,
“He had a check yesterday and he will be around one week or 10 days. It’s not an important injury so that is good, but it’s a shame because we lose another player with the amount of injuries.”
Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill to start vs Southampton
Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to come into the starting side after replacing Chalobah off the bench at Villa Park.
He will almost certainly be partnering Levi Colwill, who has been desperately searching for a return to form in recent games.
Colwill has been criticised for his performances of late, with him making high-profile errors that have cost the Blues goals.
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