Chelsea Prepares Key Players for Crucial Tottenham Match Amid Suspensions, Injuries

Chelsea, under head coach Enzo Maresca, are preparing for a challenging Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, aiming to secure a fifth consecutive victory over their London rivals. Despite Tottenham's poor home form, Maresca acknowledges they are performing well this season, making the derby a difficult contest. Chelsea will be without suspended striker Liam Delap, who apologized for a red card incurred in the Carabao Cup, but have fitness-uncertain players Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Joao Pedro available for selection, with management opting to protect them by limiting their minutes. Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin injury but is expected to return to training before the end of the month. Maresca emphasizes the importance of squad depth and managing player fitness game-by-game to maintain competitive performance. Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set-pieces, are areas Chelsea are actively working to improve ahead of the match.