Why Enzo Maresca has left 3 right backs in London for Conference League trip | OneFootball

Back in the old days, you’d have to go frame by frame through videos of Chelsea’s squad boarding their flight to a European game to figure out who was in the squad and who wasn’t.

But things have all changed now. In the style of many of their continental counterparts, Chelsea have just put out a squad list showing the travelling party for tomorrow night’s game in Greece against Panathinaikos.

Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell were not in the original squad, so they were never going to be listed here. But it’s interesting to see who else has been put up for a rest.

The bulk of the rest of the Premier League team that played Liverpool on Sunday aren’t present. Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson join the previous 4 in taking a well-earned rest.

Josh Acheampong, who under normal circumstances would be there hoping to get some minutes, if not a start, is not included as part of his “freeze out“. James, Gusto and Acheampong missing out means our best 3 right backs miss out.

Chelsea’s insane squad with weeks until season starts.

Enzo Maresca to balance minutes and happiness in Greece trip

Enzo Maresca’s thinking is becoming clearer. With Chilwell, James and Gusto all out, it will be interesting to see whether Renato Veiga or Marc Cucurella plays at left back. We expect Cucurella to get some minutes to keep him match fit, but perhaps just 45, with Veiga taking 45 at left back then many 45 in midfield.

Axel Disasi looks likely to play at right back again, with Tosin and Benoit Badiashile in the middle.

Enzo Fernandez is in a similar situation to Cucurella – he needs some time after not starting on Sunday, but probably won’t play more than 45 minutes at most as he’s a first team player.

As always, the front areas are loaded: Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk will all be expecting to see serious game time.