Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained the need to ‘protect’ Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana influenced his decision to leave them out of his Conference League squad. The Blues embark on their latest European campaign next week but given the number of fixtures on the horizon,

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticised the packed game schedule that footballers are subjected to, saying there is 'no doubt' they are playing too much and

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca believes players are right to complain about the intense schedule and says going on strike may be one of their options to change things. Player welfare has become an escalating concern,

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his belief that players are offered no protection by the football calendar and added that players voicing their concerns over the number of games they play is "a good starting point.

Chelsea are not in that competition, but do play in the Conference League this term and have the added complication of having qualified for Fifa’s new Club World Cup next summer. The result is that a season which began on August 18 may not finish until July 15 next year and Maresca says there is “no doubt” players are being asked to play too many games.

Chelsea have major concerns over Reece James’ injury record. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries and fitness-related problems for most of his senior career with his latest setback coming in the form of a hamstring strain.