Maresca to rely on Chelsea’s squad depth for Kazakhstan trip

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized the importance of managing his players’ workload, stating it would be “not normal” to expect those traveling to Kazakhstan for Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash against Astana to also feature in this weekend’s Premier League match against Brentford.  

The Italian tactician has expertly utilized Chelsea’s vast squad during his first season at Stamford Bridge, achieving impressive results.

The Blues currently sit second in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Liverpool, and have already secured a spot in the Europa Conference League knockout stages with a perfect record and two group matches remaining.

Maresca’s squad depth allows him the flexibility to rest key Premier League players and offer opportunities to the club’s promising youngsters for the Astana fixture.

By leaving most of his first-team regulars in London, he aims to keep them fresh and ready for the demanding domestic schedule, starting with Brentford this weekend.

“You never know whether we might need one of the guys who play tomorrow on Sunday,” said Maresca ahead of the 6,000 mile (9,600 km) round trip to the Kazakh capital.

“Ideally, we would not because we land at six o’clock on Friday morning and it’s not normal to do that and then play on Sunday, but in case we need they are going to make the effort.”

Teenage defender Josh Acheampong is among those set to make his first senior start on Thursday.

Maresca has also used the Conference League to keep more established stars such as Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix happy despite limited Premier League minutes.

“The target since we started the season is to allow all of them, no matter the competition, to play 90 minutes every week,” added Maresca.

“Most of those who play tomorrow would have also played against Southampton last week (in the Premier League).

“So we will try to keep them in the regular situation of playing 90 minutes every week. This is what we’re trying to do.”