Maresca cancels Chelsea’s day off after training defeat to U21s as key stars return
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca canceled the first team’s scheduled day off on Thursday after suffering a 3-0 defeat to the club’s under-21 side in a training match.
The senior squad, which included some players returning from international duty, was outplayed in a short drill session, with 19-year-old Donnell McNeilly scoring twice.
The under-21 team also featured some under-16 players.
Maresca’s decision comes as Chelsea struggle for consistency, with recent Premier League defeats to Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Brighton.
Despite their form, the Blues remain in contention for a top-five finish and are still competing in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
On a positive note, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke returned to training on Friday, providing an injury boost ahead of crucial fixtures.
Palmer, Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 goals and six assists, has not scored since January 14. while Madueke has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since February.
Chelsea face Tottenham on Thursday before a London derby against Brentford, followed by their Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warszawa.
