Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that midfielder Andrey Santos will be sidelined until after the October international break, adding to the club’s growing list of absentees. The Brazilian was expected to play a key role as Moises Caicedo’s understudy, especially after Dario Essugo underwent thigh surgery—but Santos missed training and was left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 1–0 win over Benfica.
“We lost Andrey Santos, who will be out until after the international break,” Maresca said post-match. “We have seven or eight players out. It is difficult to pick the same XI, but it is what it is. We need to adapt.”
🧠Squad Depth Under Pressure
Santos watched the Benfica match from behind the substitutes’ bench, seated alongside fellow injured players Dario Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, nursing a groin issue, observed from an executive box.
Fofana is recovering from a concussion
Adarabioyo has a minor calf injury
Palmer is expected to return after the break
Essugo is out long-term following surgery
Maresca’s midfield options are now stretched thin, with Cesare Casadei, Andrey Santos, and Dario Essugo all unavailable. The manager has relied heavily on Enzo Fernández, Conor Gallagher, and Estevão, but fatigue is becoming a concern.
⚠️ Suspension Woes Add to the Chaos
To compound matters, Maresca is also dealing with suspensions:
Trevoh Chalobah will miss the Premier League clash with Liverpool after his red card against Brighton
João Pedro is suspended for the next Champions League match against Ajax following his late dismissal versus Benfica
“Sometimes it's better to concede the goal or the chance because then it's 11v11, you have 40 more minutes,” Maresca said, reflecting on Chelsea’s recent red card trend
📊 Chelsea’s Current Injury & Suspension List
| Player | Issue | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Andrey Santos | Muscle injury | After international break |
| Dario Essugo | Thigh surgery | Long-term |
| Cole Palmer | Groin strain | After international break |
| Wesley Fofana | Concussion | After international break |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | Calf injury | After international break |
| Trevoh Chalobah | Suspension | Misses Liverpool match |
| João Pedro | Suspension | Misses Ajax match |
🧠Final Thoughts
Chelsea’s win over Benfica may have steadied the ship, but Maresca’s squad is walking a tightrope. With injuries mounting and suspensions disrupting rhythm, the manager faces a delicate balancing act. Santos’ absence is a blow—not just tactically, but symbolically, as the club continues to invest in youth and depth.
The international break can’t come soon enough. But until then, Chelsea must adapt, rotate wisely, and hope their luck turns.
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