Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared injury updates before their must-win home match against Manchester United on Friday.
The Blues are fighting to return to the Champions League and currently sit fifth in the Premier League table with 63 points.
They need to keep winning to secure a top-five finish. The home game against United is a crucial fixture in that race.
Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a major setback following their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend.
Maresca spoke to the press on Thursday to give fitness updates. He confirmed that French forward Christopher Nkunku will not be available.
“Christo [Nkunku] is still out,” Maresca said. “Reece James is now okay – he was out with illness for two sessions. Yesterday he had a session with us, which is good.”
Maresca drops a subtle hint on attacking plans
There is also a concern in the forward line. Nicolas Jackson is suspended after receiving a red card in their previous league match.
“We do not have Nico for this game, and we are working on that,” Maresca added. “These are the options we have – unfortunately, we do not have many options [to play as a striker].
“Marc Guiu is still coming back from injury. He has started to train with us recently, but is not ready to start. So we are working on different options for Friday night in the absence of Nico.”
With limited striker options, Maresca was asked if he might use a winger as a ‘false nine’ against Manchester United.
He did not give names but gave a clear picture of the tactical dilemma he faces.
“It depends a little bit on the game plan,” he added. “When playing against a line of five, I prefer to have a ‘real’ nine because you need to attack behind, you need that threat.
“Unfortunately, we do not have that, so we need to find a solution. I like a ‘false’ nine when we face a line of four, because you can link a little more.
“But against five defenders, you need people running in behind. But it is what it is, and we need to find a different solution.”
Chelsea will hope to get the job done against Ruben Amorim’s team and take a big step towards Champions League qualification.
