Enzo Maresca could be forced to play two first-team regulars in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup game against Lincoln City on Tuesday night.
Chelsea head into the game with several injury problems. For instance, Liam Delap is still on the sidelines, while Cole Palmer is having real issues with his groin.
In defence, Maresca is without Levi Colwill and is not expected to have him back until the end of the season. Additionally, he is also set to be without Marc Guiu for the game against Lincoln City.
The Italian manager will also have to be careful with his management of Wesley Fofana, who has struggled to stay fit during his time in West London.
In such a scenario, Maresca might be forced to play his first-choice defensive pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo against Lincoln City.
In an ideal world, Maresca would have loved to give the duo a rest for the game, but that looks unlikely at the moment.
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Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo could start at the LNER Stadium
Owing to Fofana’s fitness issues and Colwill’s unavailability, Maresca has hinted that he may have to start both Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo against Lincoln.
Chalobah and Adarabioyo have been Chelsea’s main centre-back pairing this season, and Maresca may have to rely on them again at the LNER Stadium because of his lack of options.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, which has been relayed by Chelsea’s official club website, the Italian said: “I would love to rest [Tosin and Chalobah] because they deserve to rest. The problem is that we have Wes, who is only playing after a long time out. Some of them need to play.”
Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato can also play in central defence, but it is likely that they will be used in the two full-back positions.
Chelsea news and related links
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- Man United vs. Chelsea lineups: Starting XI, team news, injury latest with Cunha, Mount fit, Garnacho tipped to start