Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Cole Palmer will likely be joined on the sidelines by Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Palmer’s unexpectedly lengthy absence initially stole the headlines as Maresca admitted on Friday that the club’s talismanic attacking midfielder would be out for another six weeks. However, the potential loss of three more key figures could prove to be even more costly.
After announcing that backup centre back Benoît Badiashile would be out until December with a muscular problem, Maresca added: “And then we have Moi [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernández], Pedro [Neto], they didn’t take part in the session yesterday, and we’ll see if they can train today, otherwise they’re going to be out.”
Maresca was able to welcome back Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos—who could prove to be particularly important in midfield—but sighed: “Enzo is out, Moi is out, Pedro is out, it’s a little bit of a balance, but again, we’re going to try our best to find the right solution for the next games.”
Fernández was always a doubt after being forced to withdraw from Argentina’s international camp after an inflammation in his knee. Pedro Neto started both of Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers this month but was forced off against Hungary after an hour on Tuesday night with what has proven to be an injury issue.
Caicedo, never one to turn down a call-up from his country, took the unprecedented step of sitting out Ecuador’s two friendlies this month to prioritise his recovery at club level. It clearly hasn’t worked.
