Why Chelsea stars not in squad to face Brentford

Chelsea fans took to social media to express their dismay as several first-team stars failed to make the squad for their crucial Premier League clash against Brentford.

With Sunday’s game coming days after a youthful Blues side traveled to Kazakhstan to beat Astana 3-1 in the Conference League, fans expected a strong fighting squad to be named to face Brentford.

However, impressive youngsters Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George were all named on a fairly inexperienced Chelsea bench at Stamford Bridge a few days later.

The likes of Romeo Lavia, Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile were not named in the squad to take on Brentford, although they did not travel to play on Thursday night.

With Pedro Neto suspended and Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable due to illness, which Maresca previously confirmed, Chelsea fans were not expecting any further absences as they looked to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea boss Maresca has given an update on two of his Blues stars but has not discussed Felix’s absence.

Speaking about Badiashile and Lavia, Maresca confirmed: “Benoit had a problem yesterday during the session. For now we don’t know how long he will be out.

“As for Romeo, he may be available for the next game.”

Chelsea will be hoping to get their players back when they face Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League in midweek, but this could be another opportunity to play against the youngsters.

As Acheampong makes progress with his contract negotiations, the youngster has a chance to impress in the absence of Wesley Fofana and Reece James, with the duo set to be sidelined until the new year.

It remains to be seen when Chelsea’s stars will return, but with games coming thick and fast, Maresca will have to use his squad as the Blues look to compete on all fronts.