Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media ahead of a Premier League game for the first time as Chelsea boss.
The Italian is preparing for his first game in the top flight, and will likely have a good idea of who is inline to start against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
One player he will certainly be without is club captain Reece James, with supporters becoming frustrated after his latest injury woes.
The middle of the park is a position where there is plenty of competition for places off the back of some big transfer business in the summer.
One player who many expected to have left by now is Conor Gallagher, however his £34m move to Atletico Madrid seems to be on hold at the minute.
Conor Gallagher will not play vs Manchester City
Maresca has said that while the England international is back at the club, he will not be involved in this weekend’s first team clash.
He said to Football London: “Conor is back. He is training apart. He is doing some medical tests and some training. He won’t be involved in the game. At this moment, he is trying to find a solution with the club.”
Any attempts to get the Gallagher sale over the line could come in exchange for Joao Felix, with the Blues in discussions over bringing him in this summer.
Enzo Fernandez likely to captain Chelsea
As for the midfield on Sunday, Enzo Fernandez is likely to captain the side after being named one of the vice-captains by the club ahead of the new season.
He is likely to again be joined by Moises Caicedo, who has already impressed the new manager in his brief time at the club.
Romeo Lavia will certainly feel as if his time during pre-season has been enough for him to earn a start against his former side.
New signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is certainly in the mix too, with him being a player who certainly understands what the manager is asking of his players after their time together at Leicester City.
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