Manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Reece James is the only player missing tomorrow night’s Conference League game against Gent due to injury.
The Blues welcome the Belgian side to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night as their UEFA Conference League group stage campaign begins.
Ahead of the European games, Maresca has ensured that his squad is fully fit, with the exception of James, who continues to be absent, and players who have been left out of the Conference League squad, including Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Labia and Benn. He acknowledged that he could choose from. Chilwell.
“They are all available unless they are removed from the (Conference League) squad, and Reece (James) is not available,” the head coach admitted in the pre-game press conference.
“We try to share the minutes with everyone. At the moment it looks like there are players who will play in the Premier League or in cup competitions, but that is not the case. This is what it is at this moment, but in general It doesn’t happen like this.
“We try to give every player a chance and they all had a really good game against Barrow and we hope we can do the same tomorrow.”
Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal for Chelsea, with the summer signing having impressed in cup games so far, while Keinan Dewsbury-Hall was left out by Maresca against Brighton. will be hoping to rejoin the team on game day.
“Philip has to do well, not because we need to put pressure on Robert, but because we need him to do well,” Enzo added.
“We need him to have a good game because the team needs him to have a good game, and it’s the same for all the players.
“For Keenan and all the players who were not in the squad, there were no physical issues (against Brighton).
“(Being left out of the squad) happened with Keenan last week and will continue to happen with other players.
“I’m very happy with Keenan and it’s just a decision that I made. It’s the bad part of my job and it’s not my favorite job, but it’s part of my role.”
