Premier League Rule Could Sideline Two Chelsea Stars for Liverpool Clash
Chelsea could be without two of their key players for the crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool, following a potential suspension. The Blues have been in fine form under new manager Enzo Maresca, currently sitting fourth in the table with 13 points, despite a hefty £220 million summer spending spree and offloading 38 players. Chelsea’s only loss so far came at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City on the opening weekend.
However, the upcoming challenge against league leaders Liverpool on 20 October may be more difficult if Marc Cucurella or Wesley Fofana receive another yellow card in their match against Nottingham Forest this weekend. Both players are currently walking a disciplinary tightrope, as they are each just one booking away from being handed a one-match suspension under Premier League rules. A fifth yellow card before the 19th game of the season triggers an automatic ban, leaving Chelsea in a precarious situation.
The Blues face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge before heading to Anfield. Forest, currently ninth in the Premier League, have already pulled off an impressive victory over Liverpool this season under the guidance of manager Nuno Espirito Santo, adding further tension to Chelsea’s next game.
Should either Cucurella or Fofana pick up a booking against Forest, they will miss the highly anticipated clash against Liverpool. Maresca will be counting on his players to tread carefully, as the match against Liverpool could prove decisive in maintaining Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish.
“The team is performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy,” said Maresca in his pre-match press conference. “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better—we can attack better and defend better.”
While Chelsea managed to secure a 4-2 victory over Gent in the Conference League without Cucurella and Fofana, their absence in a Premier League battle of this magnitude could be much harder to handle.
Premier League Rule Could Sideline Two Chelsea Stars for Liverpool Clash