Maresca Breaks Silence on Chalobah's Status as Chelsea's Injury Woes Mount
Enzo Maresca disclosed that Chelsea have steered clear of any major worry regarding Trevoh Chalobah following the defender's substitution during Sunday's pre-season match against AC Milan.
Chalobah appeared to sustain an ankle problem and received attention from Chelsea's medical staff during the second period. He was withdrawn in the 57th minute but required no additional treatment and was observed walking without difficulty afterward. Josh Acheampong was brought on as his substitute to complete the remainder of a 4–1 friendly victory featuring strikes from João Pedro and Liam Delap.
"Trev is okay. He chose to come off because the conditions were too warm," Maresca laughed while speaking to Channel 5 following the match.
This news will bring considerable relief to Chelsea supporters considering Levi Colwill required ACL reconstruction surgery last week, which will probably sideline him for most of the forthcoming season. Wesley Fofana, nevertheless, is approaching full fitness, according to Maresca, and might feature against Community Shield champions Crystal Palace in Chelsea's Premier League season opener on Sunday.
Chelsea have secured two convincing pre-season victories since returning to competitive action for the first time following their triumph over Paris Saint-Germain to claim the FIFA Club World Cup in July. The Blues faced Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan over a three-day period to regain match sharpness with the Premier League season approaching.
Estêvão, Jamie Gittens, Pedro and Delap all demonstrated individual excellence throughout both matches in front of their home supporters. The positive Chalobah update, combined with encouraging news about Fofana, should ease concerns about a potential injury epidemic. Missing Colwill, whom Maresca praised extensively for their previous season's achievements, represents a significant setback.
"I informed him that our accomplishments last year were partly due to his contributions. He was a crucial player for our team," Maresca stated.
Chalobah appears set for expanded responsibilities after escaping injury, alongside Tosin Adarabioyo and possibly summer acquisition Jorrel Hato. Chalobah spent the opening half of the previous campaign on loan at Palace, performing well enough to secure a return to his parent club in January when the Blues were dealing with injury problems.
The English center-back featured in the UEFA Conference League final and participated in five FIFA Club World Cup matches, including three straight starts from the quarterfinal stage forward.