Four Players Missing – Enzo Maresca Provides Chelsea Injury Update Ahead of Liverpool Clash | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Injury Concerns Mount Ahead of Liverpool Test at Stamford Bridge

As the Premier League season nears its close, the spotlight falls on Stamford Bridge this Sunday. Newly crowned champions Liverpool head south for what could feel like a lap of honour under Arne Slot, but Chelsea have no time for sentiment. Still in a fierce hunt for Champions League qualification, the Blues are banking on more than just home advantage—they’ll need bodies available, and that’s far from guaranteed.

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League on 60 points, and with rivals breathing down their necks, the clash with Liverpool carries heavy implications. By contrast, Liverpool arrive without pressure, having sealed their 20th league title with a 5-1 dismantling of Tottenham Hotspur. Yet don’t expect a casual showing from Slot’s side, even if rotation is on the cards.

Momentum vs Motivation

Chelsea’s recent form offers encouragement for Enzo Maresca. The Blues have taken 17 points from their last eight Premier League fixtures (W5 D2 L1)—a stark improvement after a poor stretch where they claimed just nine from ten. Thursday night’s 4-1 dismantling of Djurgården in the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg further bolstered belief, with Filip Jørgensen stepping in capably between the sticks.

But Liverpool under Slot are not a side who coast. The Dutchman hinted post-title that while some fringe players may see minutes over the final four games, the integrity of competition and sharpness ahead of summer tournaments remain priorities. Expect a balanced mix of steel and experimentation.

Photo: IMAGO

In terms of Liverpool’s absentees, Joe Gomez is confirmed out due to a hamstring injury, while Conor Bradley is considered doubtful.

Fitness Doubts for Chelsea Key Men

Enzo Maresca offered updates on his squad’s fitness issues during media duties, and the news is mixed at best.

Robert SánchezChelsea’s No.1 missed the midweek European tie after sustaining a leg injury in the 1-0 victory over Everton. Though back on the training pitch, his inclusion on Sunday remains touch and go. “He wasn’t with us in Sweden either and we will see and assess [him] before Sunday,” Maresca said.

Christopher NkunkuThe French attacker’s campaign has been frustratingly stop-start, and his latest setback—a muscle strain in training—kept him out of the Djurgården clash. “Christo Nkunku has a small problem,” Maresca noted. “When we get back to Cobham, the medical staff will tell me how he is.” A bench role is possible, but a starting spot looks unlikely.

Photo: IMAGO

Marc GuiuGuiu’s promise remains more potential than product. The teenage forward, brought in from Barcelona last summer, has been out since February with a thigh issue. Despite returning to light training, Chelsea are prioritising his long-term fitness. Still, six goals in the Conference League have underlined his future value.

Aaron AnselminoThe Argentine centre-back, signed for £15.6 million in January, has yet to make his debut thanks to ongoing hamstring issues. “At the moment, just Marc Guiu and (Aaron) Anselmino are out,” said Maresca, confirming the defender is training individually. A summer loan to Strasbourg is being lined up to fast-track his adaptation to European football.

High Stakes at the Bridge

The contrast in objectives couldn’t be clearer. Liverpool’s eyes are already half on pre-season and next steps under Slot, while Chelsea are still fighting tooth and nail to return to Europe’s top table. And in matches like these, it’s often not about who wants it more—but who has more left in the tank.

Kick-off is set for 4:30 PM BST on Sunday, with live coverage on Sky Sports in the UK.