UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE Maresca Says No Injury Worries Ahead Djurgarden Conference League Game

With a decisive lead from the first leg of their Conference League semi-final matchup against Djurgarden, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has assured his team is fully healthy heading into Thursday’s second leg.

Last week, Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead at halftime and Nicholas Jackson added a double to thrash the Swedish team 4-1.

“We have no new injuries,” Maresca told a press conference on Wednesday.

“This is good for us. Everyone is fit and (striker) Marc Guiu could be involved in the squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer.

The Spanish teenager, who joined last summer from Barcelona and is Chelsea’s top scorer in the competition with six goals, missed the last three months with a hamstring problem.

“Maybe it’s better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us,” Maresca added.

Chelsea last participated in a European final in 2021, defeating Manchester City 1-0 to win their second Champions League championship.

Chelsea have to make it through the playoffs to get into Europe’s third-tier league.

Later this month, they can add the Conference League to their trophy collection, making them the first team to win all three European championships.

“It’s very important for us, for different reasons. But mainly because we want this club winning trophies,” Maresca said.

The Italian coach responded that it would be a nice beginning when asked if a Conference League victory would be sufficient to declare that the club is back to winning ways.

“Winning a trophy is a statement and you (could then) say Chelsea are back,” Maresca added.

“If we play in the Conference it’s because it’s where we are. (And) if you play Conference, the only trophy you can win is the Conference. I think it’s a good starting point.”


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *