Staggering gap between Chelsea and Conference League semi-final opponents as Blues flop earns more than their entire squad

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Chelsea are set to feature in their first European semi-final since 2021 this week as they take on Djurgardens in the Conference League.

Enzo Maresca has led his side through a near-untarnished campaign so far, using the opportunity to rotate his squad where possible.

The competition has been an occasion where a number of academy stars have been given the chance to further their progress at the club. Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong have established themselves as first team players as a result of regular minutes in Europe.

It is likely the manager names a few of his stonger players for the semi-finals, however The Chelsea Chronicle are still predicting rotation from the Blues from the side who are competing in must-win Premier League games right now.

Chelsea flop earns more than entire Djurgarden squad

This could see stars such as Reece James, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo feature, players whose values far exceed anything their opponents can offer.

According to FotbollSkanalan, the Blues’ finances trump Djurgarden’s beyond belief, with one of their banished stars sums up the gap between the two sides.

They go on to share how Raheem Sterling, currently on loan at Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal, actually earns more per year on his Chelsea contract than the Swedish side’s entire squad.

Sterling is currently the club’s highest paid player, and even though the Gunners have taken on a portion of his wage, he is a player who the Blues will be desperate to part ways with when the season comes to an end.

Djurgarden’s two big worries ahead of Chelsea clash

While Chelsea are already strong favourites to win the tie, their opponents are facing a number of issues before facing them.

The semi-final will be played on artificial turf, with their own players being heavily critical of the playing surface the game will take place on.

They are also facing a number of fitness issues, with their first team squad down a number of players due to a number of concerns.

Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne is a doubt too after missing training in the lead up to the tie, stacking the odds even further in Chelsea’s favour.