Nottingham, October 17, 2025 — Enzo Maresca, the Italian architect behind Chelsea’s recovery, struck a measured figure at Friday’s pre-match news conference in Cobham, dissecting the Blues’ shattered squad ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. With the Italian on the sidelines, serving a one-match ban for his boisterous pitch invasion during the stoppage-time victory over Liverpool on October 4, assistant Willy Caballero stepped into the spotlight. Maresca’s team news briefing provided a picture of cautious optimism: important returns to strengthen up a defence battered by the international break, but chronic absentees and lingering uncertainties that might determine Chelsea’s top-four ambitions. “We’re gaining traction, but injuries test us at every turn,” Maresca remarked, his voice firm among the chaos. “Tomorrow’s about focus – Forest are scrapping for Europe too.”
Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, secured by Estêvão Willian’s 95th-minute goal, propelled them to fourth place with 18 points from 10 games, three behind leaders Arsenal. Marc Cucurella’s man-marking of Mohamed Salah also helped. However, the international break has struck new wounds, exacerbating a summer blighted by Reece James’ persistent hamstring curse and Cole Palmer’s groin issues. Maresca, drawing on his Pep Guardiola apprenticeship at Manchester City, emphasised versatility in his fluid 4-2-3-1. “We train for situations like these. Caballero understands the idea inside and out; it’s flawless.”
Bright spots shine through the gloom. Captain Reece James, who was away from England’s Nations League camp after tweaking a muscle against Liverpool, has resumed full training and could make his 200th Chelsea appearance if selected. The 25-year-old right-back, whose overlapping runs terrorised Forest in a 3-2 Etihad victory last season, is a “huge boost,” according to Maresca. “Reece is sharp – we’ll assess his minutes, but he’s ready to contribute.” Similarly encouraging: Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana return from respective injuries, reinforcing a backline weakened by Benoît Badiashile’s hamstring strain experienced during the Liverpool clash. Adarabioyo, Fulham’s £35 million signing, fits in perfectly as a Levi Colwill understudy, while Fofana’s pace – timed at 35km/h in spurts – could neutralise Forest’s counter-threats, led by Chris Wood’s six goals.
Enzo Fernández, the £107 million World Cup winner, enters as a key player. The Argentine returned home early from Argentina’s qualifications with knee discomfort, but Maresca confirmed Thursday’s session inclusion: “Enzo trained fully today – he’s available if he feels right tomorrow.” Fernández’s absence from three of Chelsea’s last five games has left a creative hole, with his three goals and 92% pass accuracy providing the engine room’s pulse. Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Neto, both nursing minor niggles from Ecuador and Portugal duty, join him for late fitness checks following Friday’s light drill. “Moises and Pedro pushed hard internationally; we’ll decide after recovery,” Maresca said, using Caicedo’s 35-yard Liverpool thunderbolt as a benchmark.
However, the injury ledger continues to be one of sadness. Cole Palmer, the £42.5 million golden kid whose vision unlocked Estêvão’s winner, is sidelined with a groin issue. He is expected to return in mid-November, which is the most devastating blow. “Cole’s our spark; we miss his magic, but others step up,” Maresca bemoaned, with Alejandro Garnacho taking over on the right. Trevoh Chalobah is serving a ban for accumulated bookings, while Andrey Santos has been injured by the Brazil U23s. Up top, Liam Delap’s hamstring injury – the £30 million Ipswich coup – will keep him out until December, limiting striker options beyond Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. Long-term, Levi Colwill’s ACL tear from the preseason remains a “devastating” absence for the versatile 22-year-old. “Levi is making progress, but there are no risks; he is critical in the long run,” Maresca emphasised.
Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo’s siege mentality, lurks as spoilers. The Tricky Trees are seventh with 16 points and have a five-game unbeaten home record (three wins and two draws), thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White’s ingenuity and Wood’s aerial danger. A £50 million summer spending spree on Elliot Anderson and Carlos Miguel has added bite, but rumours of managerial dissatisfaction abound, with Ange Postecoglou’s rumoured Spurs raid on Nuno adding intrigue. Chelsea’s historic hex? Unbeaten in the last seven meetings with Forest (five victories, two draws), including a 5-0 thumping in 2023-24. Maresca, touchline-bound but ubiquitous via radio link, referenced that pedigree: “We have the talent to dominate; it’s all about execution.”
Caballero, the former Manchester City shot-stopper turned Maresca lieutenant, exuded confidence: “Enzo’s vision is ours. “We’ll channel that Liverpool fire.” Predicted XI? Sánchez in goal; James, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Garnacho, Fernández, Madueke; Jackson, pending Fernández’s approval. Substitutes Estêvão, Nkunku (who recently recovered from a hamstring injury), and Guiu provide flare. For Chelsea, who are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League, win brings them level with third-placed Liverpool, who face Manchester United in a derby. Defeat? Arsenal’s shadow is lengthening as they slide to sixth place.
Maresca’s mosaic, Returns among Ruins, symbolises his notion of perseverance built in adversity. As the City Ground beckons beneath the East Midlands skies, Chelsea’s exiled master observes from afar, his blueprint inscribed in blue. Forest beware: the orchestra continues to play even when the conductor is not present. Three points? Imperative. A statement? Inevitable.
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