‘A demanding schedule but we will try our best’published at 15:54 GMT
15:54 GMT
Qarabag v Chelsea (17:45 GMT)
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says tonight’s clash with Qarabag is “very important” but admits he will probably need to rotate due to the “demanding schedule”.
Maresca said: “It is an important game. It can give us three wins in a row in Champions League, nine points, so very important.
“We will probably need to rotate some of the players, also because I think we come back to London on Thursday morning at 06:00, then have game on Saturday. A demanding schedule but we will try our best.”
On Reece James’ fitness: “He is good, doing well. Fit, 100%. The way he behaves every game is top, even when not playing, in the changing room with team-mates. I think he is ready to play three games in a week.
“It depends also on how we use Reece, too. Not always up and down [the wing]. It is a big job for anyone so we need to protect him like others in that way.”
Maresca says he hopes Cole Palmer could be ready for their next Champions League game against Barcelona after the international break: “With Cole we try to schedule at the beginning, but we needed to review so we go day by day with Cole. He’s still apart, not training with the team.
“I would like Cole every game. I have said before we are a better team with him. Unfortunately he is out injured, but we hope he will be back soon.”