Enzo Maresca is likely looking to make some significant changes to his Chelsea side when they return to domestic action tomorrow night with the EFL Cup.
While the aim will no doubt be to go one step further than the runners up position they finished in last season, the visit of Barrow to Stamford Bridge does offer some chances to rest and rotate.
Mykhailo Mudryk is reportedly playing for his Chelsea career, with him likely to be one of those recalled to the starting squad tomorrow night.
One position where it is still not clear who will feature is at right-back. At the weekend against West Ham, both of Maresca’s first team options were missing with injury.
There was no real update on when Reece James would get his new season started, although Malo Gusto was thought at being closer to a return.
Malo Gusto back from injury
This has proved to be the case. Maresca has claimed in his pre-match press conference that the Frenchman is available for selection this week.
He said to Football London: “Malo is available for tomorrow. Romeo is not available for tomorrow, hopefully he can be for the Brighton game.”
It cannot be underrated how important the full-back has been for the Blues since his £30m move to Stamford Bridge.
However, it feels as if throwing Gusto straight back into the starting side for a game against lower-league opposition could be a mistake, with there certainly being an opportunity for some of the younger players to make an impact too.
Josh Acheampong waiting for opportunity
Josh Acheampong should definitely be handed a chance to impress, with him so far not featuring in the Premier League under the new boss.
This is despite Maresca praising Acheampong last week, suggesting that he feels he can become a top player.
With games coming thick and fast both domestically and in Europe, rotation is going to be key in every position, and the 18-year-old being able to feature at first team level would certainly be a massive boost.
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