The travelling Chelsea team has been confirmed for their Champions League match against Qarabag. The Blues must travel 2,500 miles to play the Azerbaijani team, who have shown promise thus far in their European campaign. Pedro Neto would be the only fresh absence from his team, and Enzo Maresca acknowledged that he anticipates a difficult game.
“It’s not about being favourites (for the match); it’s about how we try to deal with the details of the game,” he explained. “In the Champions League, Qarabag has won two or three games. They work well as a team. The game is going to be challenging.
“They are an excellent squad as a whole. really powerful. As you can see, they have been working with the same management for a long time. They are more intense at home. The game will be difficult. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have both been included in the travelling team, and Maresca has hinted at a possible goalie substitution for the game.
Chelsea XI and Qarabag CL clash confirmed team news
Striker Liam Delap can rejoin the team after serving his domestic ban in the victory over Tottenham over the weekend after receiving his second yellow card on return from injury in the 4-3 Carabao Cup victory at Wolves. However, Maresca is still unable to call on Cole Palmer, who is still sidelined.
Pedro Neto, a winger who was substituted against Tottenham due to what seemed to be a cramp, was not present at training prior to the game, raising questions about his participation in Azerbaijan.
When Maresca addresses the media at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility on Tuesday afternoon prior to his flight to Azerbaijan, further details on the most recent fitness concerns within his team will become clear.
Long-time absentees Dario Essugo, Benoit Badiashile, and Levi Colwill continue to be sidelined due to injuries. In goal, Maresca has a choice between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, while at right back, he has a choice between Malo Gusto and Reece James.
Although Chelsea has other excellent alternatives in centre midfield, anyone can potentially play there. Andrey Santos stated that he will start the game during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
