Maresca’s Pre-Brighton Press Conference: Injuries, Solutions, and Long-Term Vision

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca faced the media today ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Friday night. The match comes hot on the heels of their FA Cup exit at the hands of the same opponent last weekend, adding extra spice to the encounter. Maresca addressed a range of topics, from injury updates and tactical adjustments to the club’s long-term goals and his assessment of Brighton.   

Injury Update: Jackson and Guiu Out, Lavia Progressing

Maresca confirmed that Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined until after the international break due to a muscle injury, a blow for the Blues’ attack. “Nico, as you already know, will be out until the international break. Probably available after the international break,” Maresca stated. He also revealed that Marc Guiu suffered a similar muscle problem and will be out for an extended period. “Marc Guiu will be out for a while,” he confirmed.   

There was some positive news on the injury front, however. Romeo Lavia is “in the process to be back with us,” while Benoit Badiashile is in a similar situation. Wesley Fofana has begun working with the team, although he is still two to three weeks away from a return.   

Nkunku as a Solution, But Not the Only One

With Jackson and Guiu unavailable, the spotlight falls on Christopher Nkunku. Maresca acknowledged his importance but emphasized that he’s not the sole solution to their attacking woes. “He can be one of the solutions but he’s not the only solution. We will try to find different solutions. Christo is a very important player. The problem is they think they are only important when they play. Now with the transfer window closed, everyone is here. He can try to help us every game.”

Maresca hinted at tactical adjustments, acknowledging the need to adapt without a traditional number nine. “Because of Nico and Marc’s situations we are trying to find solutions. For sure, when you don’t have a proper nine who can be a threat always, you have to change not only the nine but also the way you want to play.” He suggested that wingers like Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, or Tyrique George could be options up front, highlighting the need for a different approach in attack.   

James Available, Goalkeeper Situation Clarified

Reece James, who was rested for the FA Cup tie, is available for the Brighton game. Maresca also clarified the goalkeeper situation, stating that Filip Jorgensen is currently the first-choice keeper, with Robert Sanchez given time to recover mentally and physically. “Filip’s (Jorgensen) solution was to give Robert (Sanchez) time to recover mentally and physically. The idea is not to change the goalkeeper game by game. The last Premier League game which we won was with Filip against West Ham. Unfortunately, the FA Cup game was Robert. Our keeper in the moment is Filip.”   

Brighton Challenge and Long-Term Vision

Maresca expects Brighton to play with their usual aggressive style. “I expect a similar one. Not just against us but in all the games they are aggressive. I expect a similar game,” he said. He acknowledged the recent FA Cup defeat but suggested that facing a familiar opponent could be an advantage. “It’s fresh in your mind, the way they attack and defend. It could be easy but it’s never easy. You know what they try to do so it’s probably better to face them.”

Addressing the club’s ambitions, Maresca reiterated that the goal is to reach the Champions League within two years, not necessarily in the first season. “When I signed, the target was in two years to play Champions League. Not in one year,” he emphasized. He acknowledged the team’s progress, highlighting their consistent presence in the top four this season. “Don’t forget that in the last two years, Chelsea have never been in the top four. This year we have spent almost the whole season in top four. This shows everyone we are in the right direction.”

Other Talking Points:

• Maresca declined to comment on Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.
• He spoke about the challenges of adjusting to Nkunku’s different playing style compared to Jackson.
• He reiterated that Nkunku is an attacking midfielder, not a striker.
• He confirmed that Romeo Lavia’s injury is similar to Jackson’s and expects him back after the international break.   
• He said that he has spoken to Robert Sanchez about the goalkeeper situation.