Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Andrey Santos is ready to step into the beginning lineup to switch suspended Moisés Caicedo for the Premier League journey to Elland Street towards Leeds United, which was previewed by SoftFootball. Caicedo will miss the match following a straight pink card in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, triggering a three-game ban.
Maresca emphasised Santos’ readiness for the position in a publish shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. The 21-year-old Brazilian impressed throughout his mortgage spell at Strasbourg and was named Participant of the Match in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, finishing 13 defensive actions and showcasing his capability to dominate midfield battles.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Enzo Maresca: Andrey Santos is able to exchange Caicedo.
His place is taking part in as a no.6, like Moi… he’s prepared. One that may play good in that place is Josh Acheampong however we are going to see.
Along with Santos, Maresca highlighted academy graduate Josh Acheampong instead choice in midfield. The 19-year-old, sometimes a centre-back or right-back, has demonstrated tactical flexibility, usually drifting into central areas throughout build-up play. Maresca’s assertion suggests Chelsea could experiment with unconventional options to cowl for Caicedo’s absence.
Reece James’ availability stays unsure regardless of a powerful exhibiting towards Arsenal. With Chelsea taking part in two matches in 4 days, Maresca is cautious about overloading James.
Chelsea’s midfield depth is additional examined by accidents to Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo. This leaves Enzo Fernández alongside both Santos or Acheampong as the first choice in defensive midfield.
Maresca cited previous variations throughout key participant absences, together with matches the place Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill had been unavailable, highlighting his squad’s resilience.
With Leeds preventing to flee the relegation zone, Chelsea will want Santos to say management in midfield from the primary whistle. The workforce is decided to keep up its successful momentum and lengthen its unbeaten run, proving the squad can address suspensions and accidents whereas competing on the prime of the desk.
