Most of the Chelsea players have gathered at Cobham. Before that, The Blues had to temporarily say goodbye to 19 stars during FIFA Days in October. Captain Enzo Maresca just hopes his students do not get injured before the team gathers for the trip to Anfield this weekend.
What is the plan for the match against Liverpool?
Liverpool are top of the table while Chelsea are in great form. This week's Super Sunday promises to have a huge impact on the title race and the Top 4. Liverpool need to win to secure top spot while Chelsea will be satisfied with a point.
There was no specific plan when facing Liverpool who were in high spirits at Anfield, but Maresca did not mind, he only prepared his players mentally for this away trip. The Kop's only loss since the beginning of the season against Nottingham will be a very good example for The Blues to study.
Nottingham played a tight defense in that match, even in many situations not rushing to counter-attack when they had the ball. Everyone wanted to wear Liverpool down to the limit before delivering a knockout blow. Chelsea have a strong attack with Cole Palmer at the helm, but at Anfield, they should probably learn from Nottingham's example.
Looking for replacements for Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella
Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are both out this weekend after picking up their fifth yellow card in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are all vying to replace Wesley Fofana, while Renato Veiga is a potential candidate to take the place of Marc Cucurella.
Maresca has five days left to make his decision. Among these stars, Adarabioyo and Veiga are in great physical condition and are expected to explode at Anfield.
Check for physical condition and injuries
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will be the last players to return to Cobham, as they play for Ecuador and Argentina respectively early on Wednesday morning. They will then fly back to England to join up with the squad, giving the pair a day or so off before they return to training.
In addition, Reece James's legs should also be a priority. The Chelsea captain, once back in form, will become a top star in the Premier League on the right wing. Maresca will need to see how his student has recovered this week to make a decision.
With James in the team, Chelsea will be more confident when facing Liverpool's strong left wing when Luis Diaz is in great form. Maresca is someone who often uses a single formation when it is working well. However, if James returns, the Italian coach may change that habit.
