Chelsea Faces Key Injury Concerns Ahead Benfica, Brighton Matches

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing multiple injury concerns ahead of their Champions League match against Benfica, with key players Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Andrey Santos all doubtful but potentially available. Maresca highlighted the importance of maintaining high performance levels, especially after recent defeats to Manchester United, Brighton, and Bayern Munich, and acknowledged challenges related to playing with ten men, which has contributed to several losses. Joao Pedro, a crucial striker for Chelsea, has only recently returned to training after fitness issues following the Manchester United defeat and is not yet fully fit, adding to the squad's depth problems amid other injuries to players like Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana. Despite a disappointing loss to Brighton, Maresca remains optimistic about recovery and readiness for the upcoming Champions League fixture, emphasizing the need to avoid costly mistakes and capitalize on home games during a critical stretch of the season. The team also faces disciplinary challenges, having received red cards in multiple recent matches, which Maresca admits is an area for learning and improvement. Overall, Chelsea's injury and disciplinary struggles pose significant hurdles as they prepare for a demanding schedule including matches against Benfica, Liverpool, and other top opponents.