Enzo Maresca has made a very strong start to life as Chelsea manager in his first job in the Premier League.
A win on Saturday against Brighton will surely make him one of the favourites for the September Manager of the Month award, with the Blues on a good run right now.
Something that has been key to Maresca’s time at the club so far has been his methods in reintegrating players after they have suffered injuries.
As has been shown in the case of Reece James, the Blues are now not looking to bring players back too early and trying instead to allow them prolonged periods in the team when they are fully fit.
The right-back position has caused a few issues for the boss though, with Malo Gusto joining him on the treatment table before the international break.
Maresca has to start Malo Gusto vs Brighton
The Frenchman did make a return in the Carabao Cup this week against Barrow, however was only given 45 minutes before he was replaced by Ben Chilwell.
With the pace and danger Brighton offer on the flanks though, it will be important for Chelsea to have natural wide defenders, and this is why Gusto should be risked to start again on Saturday.
Last weekend saw Wesley Fofana start as a right-back, with him enjoying a relatively quiet afternoon despite the quality of opponent directly in front of him.
Axel Disasi didn’t take his chance at right-back
The same cannot be said for Axel Disasi, who disappointed when he was handed the start there against Bournemouth the week before.
The Frenchman is reportedly last in line when it comes to playing at centre-back right now, although he did get an assured appearance under his belt when he faced Barrow in midweek.
Maresca has not been forced to take too many risks in his brief time at Chelsea so far, however this weekend should see him take the plunge with starting Gusto.
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