Chelsea trio Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are unlikely to face Newcastle on Wednesday night, according to Football.London.
Despite all three being in the lineup for the league game against the Magpies at the weekend, they are not expected to start the Carabao Cup tie.
Speaking earlier this month about James, Fofana and Lavia, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that he is reluctant to play them more than once a week:
“It is complicated when you get injury, injury, injury again. It is not easy so you are always looking for a solution. Probably the solution with Reece is the same solution we are using with Romeo and Wes in terms of using them just once a week, in one game, because probably in this moment, for different reasons, Reece’s body cannot play twice a week. One of the solutions is probably to try and manage him in the same way we are doing with Wes and Romeo.”
Chelsea’s injury list this season
One of the notable differences from last campaign is how few players are on the treatment table. The only absentee at the moment is Omari Kellyman.
That is a testament to Maresca’s management. He is reluctant to go against the advice of the medical team (unlike previous head coaches) and that is why it would be a surprise if the likes of James, Fofana and Lavia play midweek.
Of course, it does help to have a big squad, and Maresca has not been afraid to use it, having routinely rotated all 11 players for cup games.
Fofana’s fitness is a concern
It should also be pointed out that Wesley Fofana is currently struggling with a knee problem. The Frenchman already had strapping on his leg before agitating the injury at the weekend.
The fact that the centre-back did finish the game suggests it isn’t a serious issue but it would also back up suggestions that he won’t feature at St James’ Park tomorrow.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here