“We can’t take a risk” - Enzo Maresca shares reason why Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto missed Leicester clash
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca did not want to risk Pedro Neto in their Premier League game against Leicester City on Saturday, November 23. He also revealed that Malo Gusto missed out on the match as he was unwell.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match against Leicester City, Maresca stated that Neto had picked up a knock on international duty. He added that the Portuguese star was getting better but was not ready to face the Foxes. He said (via GOAL):
"Malo unfortunately was feeling unwell during the night and misses out today. Pedro suffered a kick during the international break that he hasn't been able to shake off. He's getting better but we can't take a risk with him today."
When quizzed about Romeo Lavia's fitness ahead of the match, the Chelsea manager commented (via Chelsea's official website):
"First of all we are happy for Romeo that he is back in the international squad, that is the first thing we have to think. If for any reasons he was not getting minutes, it is not a problem if Romeo keeps doing the right things and he is there the next time. The important thing for him and for us is that Romeo is back to his level and back with the international team."
Lavia is on the bench for Chelsea against the Foxes after not featuring for Belgium in the recent international break. He was reported to be carrying a hamstring injury but trained with the Blues this week.
Chelsea set to be without Reece James for a few games
Chelsea are set to be without Reece James for a few matches. The club captain picked up a hamstring injury and was ruled out of the Leicester City clash.
Enzo Maresca told the media (via Football.London):
"We have just one injured player, that is Reece. He felt something and we don't want to take any risks for the weekend. He is the only one that is not available for this weekend. The rest, some of them are better, some of them are still a doubt and we need to wait. Today is the first session we do with all the players [returning] from international. So we will see after today's session."
When quizzed about the injury, he added:
"Hamstring. It's a muscular problem. We don't want to take any risks for this weekend and hopefully it's not something long."
The Telegraph have reported that James will undergo a scan next week to determine the extent of the injury. He has a swelling around the hamstring and needs it to be reduced before medical checks.
