Chelsea’s Maresca Vows to Protect Players with Squad Rotation

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he will continue rotating his squad as the club competes across four major tournaments this season.

The Blues face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday, seeking redemption after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Sunderland.

Maresca, who has been known for heavy squad rotation, made 10 changes in their 5-1 Champions League victory over Ajax last week.

“We need to rotate. We need to protect the players because if we go with the same XI, we are going to struggle during the season,” the Italian said on Tuesday. “We probably will make some changes against Wolves—I don’t know how many—but for sure, we need to make some to help protect the players.”

The coach also confirmed that striker Liam Delap, who joined from relegated Ipswich Town, could return to action after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in August.

“Liam completed the whole session with us yesterday with no problems and he is available for tomorrow,” Maresca added. “We have to be careful with Liam. He’s been out for two months, so he won’t play 90 minutes. He needs to be gradually brought back to full fitness.”