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Chelsea's manager has suggested that the squad is experiencing the " consequences of their previous global tournament involvement, with a large group of players missing for the upcoming match against the Reds.

Present Fitness Situation

Important player Cole Palmer is sidelined with a persistent groin problem, adding to the roster of lengthy absentees that features Wesley Fofana, Delap, Colwill, Andrey Santos, and Adarabioyo. Moreover, Chalobah is banned following his red card in the last defeat to the Seagulls.

"This is the truth," the coach stated. "If PSG and we have so many injuries, probably it's some result from the tournament. In this situation we have four or five defenders out, but we're going to try to adjust and discover the right solution."

Report Highlights Workload Concerns

A newly released study from the worldwide football union Fifpro indicated that the club's players were allowed three weeks off after claiming victory in the competition in July, while Paris Saint-Germain, the defeated runners-up, rested their players for over three weeks. The analysis connected this high workload to the fitness problems faced by both clubs.

The Italian manager expressed agreement with the study's conclusions and emphasized his confidence in the young talent who will fill the gaps. The 19-year-old defender is expected to earn his fourth Premier League start in defense.

Belief in Young Players

"It is difficult," he admitted, "however at the same moment we trust the ones that are here. For certain, when you can change one player after several games, it's preferable. The more you perform together with teammates, the relationship becomes stronger. Sometimes you don't even need to talk to execute an action on the pitch – they understand instantly. When you persist to rotate it's more difficult."

"Yet I really trust the young stars. Not just the young players that we purchased but also the young players from the academy. We provided opportunities last year to Josh so that demonstrates that I trust the next generation."

Conduct Record Discussed

Turning to disciplinary matters, the manager stated he is not concerned by Chelsea's history of dismissals. The team has been shown multiple red cards in their previous as many games, including a player's red card in the Champions League victory over the Portuguese side.

Since Maresca appointment in June 2024, Chelsea has the poorest conduct stats among Premier League teams, with seven red cards in seventy-three matches – one every ten point four matches. Furthermore, they top the division for yellow cards under his tenure, with 114 bookings.

"I don't see a discipline issue," Maresca remarked. "You have to review each incident individually. When it's a red card for bad intention or for bad discipline, it's different from the Manchester United red card or the Brighton sending-off. In that case, it's just a choice that you have to take in two seconds, a moment. Do I do a foul or not? It's tough."