I’m afraid seeing Him in the lineup already, Immediately I heard that Maresca is starting Him today I fear because His final third passing is compared to none”, Leicester City star Vardy reveals the ONE Chelsea player that He is afraid of facing today

I’m worried seeing Him in the lineup immediately. Immediately I heard that Maresca is starting Him today, I was afraid since His final third passing is compared to none.” Leicester City’s Vardy identifies the ONE Chelsea player he is frightened of facing today.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will face his previous club Leicester City for the first time since taking over at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.

The Italian will be aiming to avoid an embarrassing return to the East Midlands, where they will be looking to win all three points and improve their Premier League top-four hopes.

In the first 11 games of the league season, the 44-year-old has led the Blues to five victories while only losing twice to the current top two, Liverpool and Manchester City.

However, Thursday afternoon’s encounter against the Foxes will present another opportunity to build on their strong start and cut the gap on the leaders, although only briefly, before their separate games later in the weekend.

Maresca will be without many crucial first-team members for the trip, allowing several individuals to press their claim for a starting spot.

Chelsea’s injury news before of the Leicester encounter
Before the encounter with his previous club, manager Maresca addressed to the media, opening up about his team’s current injury difficulties.

The Italian announced that right-back Reece James would miss the encounter due to a hamstring injury sustained during the international break.

When queried about the nature of the 24-year-old’s setback, Maresca responded:

“We have only one injured player, Reece. Unfortunately, he felt something little, and we don’t want to take any chances over the weekend. Hamstring. It is a muscle condition. We do not want to take any chances this weekend. Hopefully it’s not too lengthy.”

However, that is the only fresh absentee for the Blues manager to deal with this weekend, as he has an almost completely fit team to pick from against Steve Cooper’s side.

Maresca may be tempted to recall a player who impressed off the bench in the previous match against London rivals Arsenal before the international break.

The player Maresca should recall vs Leicester
Enzo Fernández, an Argentinian midfielder, joined to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 for £106.8 million from Benfica, with high aspirations of revamping the club’s midfield.

However, in recent months, he has struggled to get starts in the Premier League, being picked as a replacement in each of the previous four games and only gaining minutes off the bench.

In recent weeks, Roméo Lavia has been favored in the center of the park alongside record-signing Moises Caicedo, with the Belgian finally receiving a chance in the first squad following an injury-plagued debut season at the Bridge.

The 20-year-old made one league appearance last season but has kept the Argentinian out of Maresca’s side in recent weeks, displaying his remarkable form since his return to action.

Fernandez did, however, assist Pedro Neto’s goal against Arsenal at the Bridge in his most recent league appearance off the bench a few weeks ago.

It followed his hat-trick of assists in the first half of the Europa League match against FC Noah, with the 23-year-old adding four assists in his last 67 minutes of club football.

Such a record simply can’t be ignored, and the “sensational” talent, as named by talent scout Jacek Kulig, needs to be recalled for the meeting against Leicester if the Blues are to maintain their current run.

Given his ties to the hosts, Maresca will not want to lose this game, as a win would significantly increase their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

If Fernandez is unleashed, his offensive and creative abilities might help the newly promoted Foxes thrive on their home grounds.