Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca sat down with the media ahead of his side’s crucial Premier League clash against West Ham United, addressing team news, transfer speculation, and tactical plans. Here’s everything he had to say:
Team Fitness Updates
Maresca confirmed that Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain unavailable, while Wesley Fofana has returned to the squad after his long injury layoff.
“Romeo is still out. Benoît is still out. Wes is back — and that’s all.”
Tosin Adarabioyo Ready
The manager was clear that summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo is fit and available for selection.
“Tosin is available for tomorrow.”
On Wesley Fofana’s Social Media Activity
There’s been curiosity about Fofana’s recent Instagram activity, but Maresca brushed that aside, choosing to focus on the defender’s return to action:
“I speak with Wes every day and he is very happy. He’s joining all the sessions with us. He was on the bench against Palace, but from tomorrow he can get some minutes. We are happy and he is happy. Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea about his Instagram activity.”
On Youngster Aaron Anselmino
The Argentine defender has been training with the first team, but Maresca hinted that a loan move is the best option for his development:
“Aaron is training with us. He is a fantastic boy, a good player, but he needs to go and play games. He is another player waiting for a solution.”
Centre-Back Search
With injuries and speculation around defensive reinforcements, Maresca repeated that Chelsea are primarily focused on internal solutions.
“I already said we are looking for internal solutions. We will see what happens. I repeat again: we are looking for internal solutions, and we will see if something happens.”
Playing Out from the Back
On whether defensive issues could force him to abandon his possession-first philosophy, Maresca was firm:
“It is not in my mind, my view, not to play from the back. You can be a bit more direct when teams are pressing high. We used Josh Acheampong in the last game, and we are trying to find internal solutions. Then we will see.”
Nicolas Jackson Update
The manager revealed that striker Nicolas Jackson is fit but will not feature against West Ham. His comments also fueled ongoing speculation about Jackson’s future.
“He is available but he is not going to be part of the squad. We have two strikers in that position, and also something can happen before the transfer window closes.”
Jackson & Nkunku Futures
When pressed further, Maresca hinted that both Jackson and Christopher Nkunku could still leave before deadline day if the right solution is found.
“We’ll see. If they are going to be here, they will be with us. If not, it means they found a solution. I think it’s better if they find a solution, because they are going to be more happy.”
Sterling, Chilwell & Nkunku Situation
The Chelsea boss confirmed that Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are training separately as they continue to assess future options.
“Christo is with us, but it’s the same answer as Nico. The other two players are training apart, looking for a solution.”
Joao Pedro & Dela Can They Play Together?
On the possibility of his two young forwards forming a partnership, Maresca was positive about Joao Pedro’s versatility.
“Joao, with us, can play in the five positions up front winger, behind the striker. As a No.9, or behind the striker, is his best position. He can play in all the attacking positions for us.”
Facing West Ham
Finally, Maresca looked ahead to the London derby, expecting another tough test.
“Tough game. All Premier League games are difficult. If you remember the game at home last season, it was very different for us. They defended very well I expect exactly the same.”
