Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been chatting with the media earlier than Tuesday’s Champions League recreation in opposition to Atalanta at New Stability Area (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Listed below are the important thing traces from his information convention:
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It’s “excellent news” that Liam Delap has not fractured his shoulder however boss Maresca is “unsure” how lengthy the striker might be out of motion.
He mentioned Chelsea have already coped with out their quantity 9 this season and can “attempt to discover options” in his absence.
Maresca added: “We’ve got already had Liam out for 2 months sadly for him and for us. Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto have performed as quantity 9 and likewise Ty [George] originally of the season. We all know Liam is a crucial participant for us and must play video games to get higher and higher.”
Cole Palmer may also miss out for Chelsea as he “can’t play two instances in three days” in the meanwhile. Maresca mentioned that is a part of the “course of to guard” the England ahead.
On whether or not Raheem Sterling is an possibility to return again into the first-team image: “It’s the identical factor I mentioned about Axel [Disasi]. He’s a Chelsea participant. On the identical time, we’re in December and January is coming. Something can occur and we are going to see.”
On Alejandro Garnacho’s contribution since his summer time transfer: “He desires to study and is open-minded. He’s working effectively on and off the ball. He can provide far more however that isn’t solely him. Total he’s doing effectively.”
Maresca mentioned it was good to return to Italy and is “very proud” of his physique of labor as a supervisor.
He additionally recognized the principle change in Serie A since his taking part in days: “Tactically. Many groups attempt to do one thing just like what Atalanta have executed up to now few years. You may see most groups play 5 on the again and play man to man in all places. They comply with you. In case you go to the bathroom, they go to the bathroom.”
Lastly, Maresca revealed he’s a eager chef and cooking is his “ardour”, when requested what he misses about his Italian dwelling: “I wish to prepare dinner – it is a ardour for me. I’m a great chef!”