Lavia & Badiashile: Why Chelsea stars aren't in Maresca's squad to face Brentford | OneFootball

Chelsea fans took to social media to express their worry when several first team stars failed to make the matchday squad for their crucial Premier League match against Brentford.

With Sunday's match coming days after a youthful Blues side traveled to Kazakhstan to beat Astana 3-1 in the Conference League, fans were expecting a strong matchday squad to be named to face Brentford.

However, impressive youngsters Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George were all named on a rather inexperienced Chelsea bench at Stamford Bridge just days later.

The likes of Romeo Lavia, Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile were not named in the squad to take on Brentford despite not travelling to play on Thursday night.

With Pedro Neto suspended and Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable due to illness, as Maresca previously confirmed, Chelsea fans were not expecting to have any further absentees as they looked to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea head coach Maresca has provided an update on two of his Blues stars, but has not discussed Felix's absence.

Badiashile was the replacement to injured Wesley Fofana. / IMAGO / Action Plus

Speaking on Badiashile and Lavia, Maresca confirmed: "Benoit had a problem yesterday during the session. For now, we don't know how long hewill be out for.

"As for Romeo, he can be available for the next game."

Chelsea will be hoping to have their players back when they face Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League in midweek, but this could be another opportunity to play the youngsters.

With Acheampong making progress on his contract talks, the youngster has a chance to impress during Wesley Fofana and Reece James' absenses, with the duo set to be sidelined until the new year.

It remains to be seen as to when Chelsea's stars will return, but with games coming thick and fast, Maresca will have to utilise his squad as the Blues look to compete on all fronts.