Chelsea travel back to Brighton for Friday night’s Premier League clash, looking to bounce back from their FA Cup exit against the same opponent.
Ahead of the match, manager Enzo Maresca addressed the media, covering key topics such as Nicolas Jackson’s injury, Reece James’ availability, the ongoing goalkeeper situation, and potential tactical adjustments in attack.
Here are five key takeaways from Maresca’s press conference:
Enzo Maresca Brighton Press Conference: 5 Talking Points
1. Nicolas Jackson’s Injury Blow and the Need for Tactical Adjustments
Jackson has been ruled out until at least April, with scans confirming a muscle injury that will sideline him for six to eight weeks.
His absence, along with Marc Guiu’s injury, leaves Chelsea without a recognized striker, forcing Maresca to explore alternative attacking options.
“We knew it was a muscle problem. He felt his reaction was quite good. We thought that it was not a big injury, but he had a scan a few days ago. He will be around six to eight weeks (out),” Maresca confirmed.
With no natural No. 9 available, Maresca emphasized the need for a tactical shift in the way Chelsea attack.
He hinted at using a winger up front, mentioning Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and Tyrique George as potential makeshift strikers.
Could be a solution. Pedro (Neto), Noni (Madueke) or Tyrique (George) can try to be a solution (and play up front). Jadon with a different set of skills. It’s not just about a nine. When you don’t have a proper nine you need to use a different kind of nine and choose how you want to play. You can’t be direct, you need more linking.
2. Goalkeeper Selection: Jorgensen Over Sanchez for Now
Filip Jorgensen has recently taken over the starting goalkeeper role from Robert Sanchez, a decision that Maresca explained as a way to allow Sanchez time to recover both physically and mentally.
“Filip’s (Jorgensen) solution was to give Robert (Sanchez) time to recover mentally and physically. The idea is not to change the goalkeeper game by game. The last Premier League game which we won was with Filip against West Ham. Unfortunately, the FA Cup game was Robert. Our keeper in the moment is Filip.”” Maresca said.
When asked about Sanchez’s future as Chelsea’s No. 1, Maresca kept his response open-ended:
“I spoke with Robert when I took the decision to play Filip, but never spoke again. They know at this moment the situation. We will see.”
Jorgensen started in Chelsea’s last match—a win over West Ham in the league and whether he continues as the first choice will likely depend on his performances in the coming weeks.
3. Maresca Defends Chelsea’s Season Amid Recent Struggles
With Chelsea’s early-season momentum fading, questions have arisen about whether the team is still on track for success.
Maresca, however, strongly defended the team’s progress, emphasizing that their Premier League and Conference League campaigns remain on course despite domestic cup exits.
“I don’t think what we have done can be cancelled or be no good. What we have done is there. Unfortunately, in the domestic cups, we are out. But our journey in the Premier League and Conference League has been fantastic,” he stated.
Chelsea have spent most of the season in the top four, which Maresca sees as a sign of clear progress compared to previous years.
“We will try to finish in the best way we can. Don’t forget that in the last two years, Chelsea have never been in the top four. This year we have spent almost the whole season in the top four. This shows everyone we are in the right direction. We will try our best to bring this club where it belongs—to the Champions League,” he added.
However, Maresca insisted that securing a top-four finish was never an immediate objective, reiterating that the club’s long-term plan was to return to Europe’s elite within two seasons, not one.
“I didn’t say our target is top four. The club never said that. When I signed, the target was in two years to play in the Champions League. Not in one year,” he clarified.
4. Maresca Clarifies Reece James’ Availability Amid Injury Concerns
Chelsea captain Reece James was absent from the squad for the 2-1 defeat to Brighton, sparking speculation about his fitness.
Adding to the uncertainty, he had not been seen in recent training photos, leading to concerns over a possible setback.
However, Enzo Maresca clarified the situation, explaining that James’ absence was pre-planned rather than due to any injury recurrence.
“Against Brighton in the FA Cup, it was planned to give him some rest. He’s available,” Maresca confirmed.
James has endured a frustrating season due to injuries, but his return to full fitness will be a major boost for Chelsea as they look to finish the season strongly.
Maresca also provided updates on other injured players, including Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Benoît Badiashile.
- On Lavia: “More or less like Nico, after the international break. It’s happening, it’s football, you can get injuries. Romeo has improved in terms of how many games he played. He can finish well at the last part of the season and next season.”
- On Fofana: “He started with us a few days ago, but it doesn’t mean he will be with us very soon. He needs two or three weeks. We can see him with the players, it’s a good thing.”
- On Badiashile: “Romeo Lavia is in the process to be back with us. Benoît Badiashile is exactly the same.”
With Chelsea dealing with multiple long-term injuries, Maresca will have to carefully manage his squad as they aim to stay competitive in both the Premier League and Europe.
5. Nkunku vs Jackson: Maresca Highlights Tactical Adjustments
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined, Christopher Nkunku has been tasked with leading the line in Chelsea’s attack. However, Maresca acknowledged that the two players have very different attributes, which forces the team to adjust its approach when Nkunku plays as the No. 9.
“They are different on the ball and off the ball. Sometimes we complain about players, but when they don’t play, we realise how important they are for the team,” Maresca explained.
Jackson’s work rate, pressing ability, and movement have been key to Chelsea’s attacking setup this season, even when his goal output has fluctuated.
His absence was keenly felt in the Brighton loss, where the team struggled to create the same level of threat in the final third.
“Every press conference you ask about Nico. Every press conference, I said he was so important for us on and off the ball. Then he didn’t play against Brighton, and everyone was thinking it’s difficult to play without a nine. We know exactly how good Nico is on and off the ball. Christo is completely different on and off the ball,” Maresca added.
The manager also hinted that Chelsea will need to make tactical tweaks to get the best out of Nkunku in Jackson’s absence:
“This is why I said we need to change something (tactically). You need to adjust something because the skills of the players are different.”
Nkunku, a natural attacking midfielder, thrives in a freer role, linking up play rather than operating as a traditional striker. Maresca will now have to decide whether to persist with him up front or explore other solutions in the coming weeks.
