Enzo Maresca confirms three key Chelsea players need to be assessed before Benfica tie

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Enzo Maresca sat in front of the media ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League game against Benfica on Tuesday.

It is a fixture that will see the return of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge following his appointment as Benfica manager earlier this month.

His Chelsea counterpart, Maresca, confirmed in his pre-match conference that a few of his players need to have their fitness assessed before the game.

The Blues are dealing with a bit of an injury crisis right now, with Cole Palmer definitely out of the match.

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Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos have ‘small problems’

Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro have been key players for Chelsea this season, while Andrey Santos has also made a contribution in recent weeks.

Unfortunately for Maresca, though, the Chelsea head coach could be without all three players on Tuesday.

He revealed in his pre-match press conference, which has been shared by football.london, that the trio have picked up “small problems” and need to be assessed before the Champions League tie.

“This afternoon we will assess Andrey Santos, Caicedo and Joao Pedro,” Maresca said. “They have small problems, so we will see for tomorrow if they can be available.”

Romeo Lavia returned against Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend, so he may be able to come in for either Caicedo or Santos.

However, with Dario Essugo also out injured right now, Chelsea’s midfield situation is not looking too good going into Tuesday’s match.

What Enzo Maresca has said about facing Jose Mourinho

In his press conference, Maresca also spoke about having the opportunity to go up against a football legend in Mourinho. For the Italian, it is a “privilege”.

On Mourinho, Maresca said: “It’s absolutely a privilege to face Jose tomorrow. Legend for this club, but for different clubs too. It will be a privilege.”

Of course, the former Leicester City manager cannot get too distracted by Mourinho’s return to west London. Maresca heads into the Benfica tie under a lot of pressure from Chelsea supporters following his team’s recent form.

However, the 45-year-old still appears to have the full backing of Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly. It is thought that Boehly is reluctant to sack Maresca, not ignoring the red cards and injuries that the Blues have picked up in this difficult period.