Chelsea is set to take on Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League clash this Saturday, with both sides competing for European qualification.
The Blues have struggled with inconsistency in recent weeks, securing only two wins in their last nine league matches.
As a result, they currently sit sixth in the table, but they remain within reach of the top four.
Given Villa’s strong position as a direct rival for European spots, this match is particularly significant for Chelsea’s ambitions.
Manager Enzo Maresca faces a challenging task in assembling his squad for the fixture, as multiple key players are sidelined due to injuries.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca confirmed that six first-team players are unavailable.
Among them, winger Noni Madueke is expected to remain out until after the international break, while forward Nicolas Jackson, defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile, midfielder Romeo Lavia, and young forward Marc Guiu are all unavailable.
Additionally, Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended, further limiting Chelsea’s options.
With these absences, Maresca has had to turn to the club’s youth ranks to bolster his squad.
Three notable players from Chelsea’s Under-21 team—defenders Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino, as well as winger Tyrique George—were absent from their side’s match against Manchester United on Friday night.
This omission suggests they are being considered for a place in the senior squad for the Villa game.
Acheampong has already made five senior appearances this season and has been frequently included as a substitute.
Anselmino, who was recently recalled from a loan spell, has also been on the bench for first-team matches.
George, despite Maresca’s acknowledgment that he is not fully ready for regular senior action, is being evaluated due to the ongoing injury crisis.
The Chelsea boss has stated that George needs more experience at a high level, but the team’s current situation has opened the door for his involvement.
Other promising U21 players, such as Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Shim Mhueka, have had some exposure to first-team football.
However, since they played in the U21 match on Friday, their chances of featuring against Aston Villa are slim due to the short recovery period.
Rak-Sakyi, who made his senior debut this season, recently expressed his pride in achieving that milestone and his desire to contribute to both the U21s and the first team.
This match will be a significant test for Maresca, as he must find the right balance between ensuring Chelsea remains competitive while also managing the integration of young players.
With key figures unavailable, the fixture against Aston Villa will not only challenge the squad’s depth but also highlight the manager’s ability to adapt and provide opportunities for emerging talents.
