Three changes Enzo Maresca must make for next Chelsea game as Bayern Munich Champions League clash looms

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Enzo Maresca is going to need to start looking into his depth at Chelsea when his players return from international duty, as the return of Champions League football looms over the Blues.

They will face Bayern Munich in their first game of the competition, setting up an immediate reunion with Nicolas Jackson after his loan move to Germany was confirmed on deadline day.

The game comes just days after their return to Premier League action, with Maresca’s men making the short trip across West London to take on Brentford.

Many of the Blues stars will be returning from an international break which has already been successful. Estevao Willian opened his account for Brazil, while Reece James starred in a lacklustre England win.

Unlike with the Conference League last year, the Blues will not just to be able to rotate in Europe this season, and those changes could have to come as early as their next game.

The Chelsea Chronicle have listed three changes Maresca must make ahead of their next game against Brentford, with the trip to Munich firmly in mind.

Three changes Enzo Maresca must make in Chelsea’s next game

Jorrel Hato in for Marc Cucurella

It has become clear just how important Marc Cucurella is for both club and country, and Spain fans raved about Cucurella’s performance in their recent World Cup qualifier.

However, after months of not having a recognised backup for the left-back, he was forced to play essentially every game for the Blues in that time.

This is now no longer the case following the signing of Jorrel Hato over the summer, who established himself as one of the top young defenders following his time at Ajax.

While Chelsea believe Hato could be the replacement for Levi Colwill following his injury, Maresca must take this chance to rest Cucurella, handing the Dutchman his first start for his new club.

Andrey Santos in for Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea turned down a late bid to sign Andrey Santos late in the transfer window, with all the talk being that they see a big future for him at Stamford Bridge.

With that said, Santos is yet to start a Premier League game for the Blues, and they will need to make it clear to him soon that he has the clear pathway to the first XI.

Enzo Fernandez is off to a great start in front of goal again for Chelsea this season, however his overall performances have not been of a top level. Maresca even said Fernandez struggled against Fulham before his second-half goal.

Keeping one eye on the crucial Champions League group stage tie with Bayern, now is the perfect time to rotate, and hand Santos his first start of the new season for Chelsea.

Alejandro Garnacho in for Pedro Neto

Seemingly out of nowhere, Pedro Neto has established himself as one of the most important Chelsea players available to the manager.

Neto starred against West Ham, and his work-rate should make him one of the first names on the teamsheet when they face Bayern.

This could see him rested against Brentford, and open up a chance for Alejandro Garnacho to start for the first time for his new club.

Garnacho has found the net against the Bees in the past, and on paper it could be a good idea to give him his first start away from Stamford Bridge after not all supporters were on board with the addition.