Maresca Gets Defensive Boost as Chelsea Head to Forest

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will welcome a wave of returnees when his injury-hit side faces Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.

Amid a season-long struggle with fitness, the Blues look set to regain strength at the back, just as Forest, winless in seven games under Ange Postecoglou, teeter on the edge of the sack.

Several key players have shaken off knocks during the October international break. 

Midfielder Moises Caicedo, rested by both club and country after nursing a persistent knock, trained fully this week and is expected to feature. 

Reece James withdrew from England’s squad as a precaution following a recent muscle issue and has been declared fit. 

Centre-backs Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, each withdrawn or rested in recent matches for preventative measures, have also completed recovery protocols and should bolster Maresca’s options.

Uncertainty remains over a handful of stars. Cole Palmer continues to battle a groin strain and is unlikely to return before November after being rested through the break. 

Enzo Fernandez, who left Argentina’s squad with right-knee swelling, returned to Cobham for treatment but has no fixed return date. 

Andrey Santos, sidelined by a thigh injury since late September, may rejoin group training in late October or early November.

Chelsea’s long-term casualties include Liam Delap (hamstring tear, expected back late 2025), Dario Essugo (post-operative thigh rehab, targeted early 2026 return) and Levi Colwill (ACL surgery, due back spring 2026).