Chelsea Manager Maresca Plans Major Eight-Player Shake-Up Ahead Brighton Clash Amid Injury Concerns

Chelsea under Enzo Maresca continue to face significant challenges as the team struggles with consistency and injuries amidst a grueling schedule. Despite spending approximately £750 million over the past five years, Chelsea's performance remains disjointed, resembling a casual seven-a-side team more than a cohesive professional squad. Maresca is set to make major squad rotations to manage player fitness, particularly with key players like Cole Palmer dealing with injuries and others like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens yet to make a substantial impact. The Blues have a critical run of fixtures including matches against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool, with rotation seen as essential for survival rather than choice. Gittens, a £55 million summer signing, has struggled to find form, raising concerns about his readiness and the pressure on Maresca to find effective options on the wings. Overall, Maresca's managerial abilities are under scrutiny as Chelsea aims to recover in the Premier League and Champions League amid tough competition and squad limitations.