Maresca Confirms Palmer’s Return And Addresses Caicedo Replacement

‎Chelsea coach, Enzo Maresca addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Leeds United this week.

‎Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions, as the Blues push for a title challenge against their London rivals.

‎Maresca has yet to defeat Leeds in a competitive fixture and will be hoping to depart Elland Road with three points.

‎Who will replace red-carded Caicedo?

‎However, the Italian will be without Moises Caicedo who picked up a red card against the Gunners after a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, and he was asked how he could replace him.

‎“For sure, again, we are a better team with Cole (Palmer), with Moi (Caicedo), with Levi (Colwill), but when these players are not available, we need to find solutions. Now we need to do something different.

‎“Andrey (Santos) is ready. His position is playing as a No. 6, like Moi, but he is ready. One that can play well in that position is Josh (Acheampong), but we will see.”

‎England star Reece James could also be an option for Maresca, as the full-back has thrived in both defense and midfield this season. The Italian said it’s a real possibility, but he’ll need to manage his minutes as the calendar gets busier.

‎“It’s complicated. I would like to start him in every game, but we need to see.

‎“He can play in both positions. He has been a full-back his whole life. He has also played as a midfielder. He can be good in both positions.

‎”When we decide on him as a midfielder, we want physicality in the middle. It depends on the game plan, but as you said, he is doing very well in both positions.”

‎Palmer returns from Long Injury

‎Leeds’ last victory over Chelsea came at Elland Road in 2022, a 3-0 win over Thomas Tuchel’s side. Maresca will approach the game cautiously, not just with tactics but also with team news, including the return of Cole Palmer, whom he says could start.

‎“He is available. He was on the bench last game. With 10 players, it was more complicated for Cole because he needed to come back in terms of fitness condition.

‎”The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90 minutes.

‎“Everyone is fine. Romeo (Lavia) is still recovering. Dario (Essugo) was okay and started some sessions with us. He now needs to slow down a little bit. He will be out again, hopefully nothing important.”