Chelsea Injury Crisis Deepens Amid Poor Form

Chelsea have endured a turbulent fortnight, suffering defeats to Manchester United and Brighton that increased pressure on head coach Enzo Maresca. They also had a Champions League night at Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho returning for Benfica, and a dramatic late Estevao Willian winner against Liverpool. Discipline has been a major concern—Chelsea have received three red cards in four games and accumulated 118 Premier League cards since last season. The squad’s defence is severely stretched after Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were forced off against Liverpool, with several centre-backs (Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo) unavailable and Reece James deputising in central defence. Cole Palmer is sidelined with a groin problem that Maresca says will initially be treated with a short rest, though experts warn surgery could mean up to three months out. The club say they back Maresca and hope the upcoming two-week break will aid recovery, but reports that several first-team players are playing through pain underline how the congested schedule has taken a tangible toll.