Chelsea vs West Ham: Enzo Maresca to Be Without 5 Players for 2nd London Derby
- Chelsea will be on the road for the first time this season when they travel to play West Ham in East London
- The world champions opened their Premier League season with a home 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace
- Head coach Enzo Maresca is set to be without five players for the road trip across London on Friday night
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he will be without five players for their trip across London to face West Ham United on Friday night.
Chelsea began their Premier League season with a London derby against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, and were saved by VAR, which ruled out Eberechi Eze's free kick to secure a point.
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The Blues appeared lacklustre after having a short break following their participation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which they won.
They began their new season with bad news after key central defender Levi Colwill sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will rule him out for a long time.
The club have begun exploring options to replace the England international, with the hierarchy telling the manager to look internally and not necessarily make a signing.
Chelsea sold Renato Veiga to Villarreal after falling out with the club, despite being the best fit for the position and with the other player fit for the position, Benoit Badiashile, is out with an injury.
Maresca rules 5 players out of West Ham clash
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, speaking during his press conference as quoted by Chelsea TV, confirmed five players will not make the travelling squad for the match at the London Olympic Stadium.
He delivered the food news of Tosin Adarabioyo’s return to the team after missing last week's game, while Wesley Fofana, who missed most of last season due to injury, is also back.
Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia and French defender Benoit Badiashile will be unavailable due to fitness issues as they remain sidelined with injuries picked up at the Club World Cup.
Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, who missed the opening match due to suspension after picking up a red card against Newcastle last season, will miss this week’s game as well.
The former Villarreal forward is exploring options for his future as he is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, while Christopher Nkunku is out for the same reason.
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According to Sky Sports, the world champions value Nicolas Jackson at £80 million, while they will accept a fee in the region of £35 million for Nkunku.
Young Argentine defender who made his debut at the Club World Cup, Aaron Anselmino will leave the club on loan. Borussia Dortmund have reportedly asked for him, but Chelsea will only sanction it if the German club signs Carney Chukwuemeka permanently.
Mikel urges Chelsea to keep Jackson
Legit.ng reported that Mikel Obi urged Chelsea to keep Nicolas Jackson at the club after reports confirmed he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Mikel, who has publicly slated the African forward, claimed he only wanted competition for him and not an outright sale as considered by the club.
Source: Legit.ng
