Chelsea youngster must bail Enzo Maresca out of selection headache for EFL Cup tie vs Lincoln City

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Chelsea expect to win at Lincoln City on Tuesday night, but nothing in football is guaranteed.

Manchester United, who bested Chelsea at the weekend, went out to Grimsby just an hour down the road in the last round of the Carabao Cup.

Enzo Maresca spoke about the need for rest early on Monday, as Chelsea continue to struggle with the second-worst injury record in the league, behind Sunderland. But he also acknowledged that these are losable games, and he will want a strong side fielded against Lincoln City.

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There’s one position where finding strength could be a challenge.

Enzo Maresca may need to start a wide player at striker vs Lincoln City

Joao Pedro needs rest. Maresca mentioned that he is dealing with an ongoing ‘problem’, so he will want to leave him out of the starting line-up.

Marc Guiu isn’t eligible for Carabao Cup matches, having featured for Sunderland in the second round. He came up with an 84th-minute equaliser in that tie, but Huddersfield won on penalties.

With Liam Delap out injured, it leaves Maresca without a natural nine available.

But Tyrique George can step in and do a job in that position. He has done it before.

Tyrique George should start at striker

Last season, Maresca told The Athletic that he is confident in George’s ability to play as a striker. He made his first Premier League start in that position against Man United after Nicolas Jackson’s sending off against Newcastle.

George was almost out the door during the window, but he is at the club for the foreseeable future, and can be utilised here as a means to keep Pedro fit.

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Lincoln have only lost once in nine League One games, currently third in the standings. They have conceded just nine goals over that span, clearly an organised defensive side that shouldn’t be dismissed.

That being said, George would surely find joy against defenders playing two divisions below Chelsea. His pace and quick feet should cause problems for the opposition and show him at his best as he attempts to get back into the manager’s thoughts.