2. Injury concerns and player availability
The last match saw Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke returning to the playing XI after being out due to injury. However, ahead of that match, the Blues had another two players missing out. Both Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, after having become match-fit, were unavailable.
Despite being there at Cobham during the international break, both players are once again on the shelf. Fofana has had a hamstring injury and underwent surgery, confirming he will not be available again this season.
It is particularly disappointing for Maresca not to be able to count on the players he has. Both Lavia and Fofana were among the two players who were part of the preferred core team. It also means the other players, especially Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in midfield, will be relied upon a lot more as the season gets into its business end.