Chelsea news: Maresca and James in disagreement as two players come to rescue | Football | Sport

Chelsea have finally picked up steam after they recorded their third straight victory in all competitions over the weekend. Following a shaky and inconsistent start to the season, Enzo Maresca‘s men appear to have finally found some rhythm and stability. Goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James secured an emphatic 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday – a result that ultimately ended Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at the City Ground.

That success followed a thrilling 2-1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge before the international break, when Brazilian prodigy Estevao came off the bench to smash home a stunning 96th-minute winner. Next, the Blues face a stiff Champions League test against Ajax on Wednesday night. Having suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich away and narrowly edged Benfica 1-0 at home, Chelsea now need a convincing performance to properly kick-start their European campaign. That, however, will be easier said than done given their mounting injury and discipline problems. With that in mind, here are the latest developments from Stamford Bridge.

Maresca and James disagree over discipline

Chelsea‘s disciplinary issues have become a major concern lately. The club are currently bottom of the Premier League’s fair play rankings, having already collected 17 yellow cards and five reds this season.

Two of those dismissals proved costly – both Manchester United and Brighton took full advantage of Chelsea‘s depleted line-ups to claim consecutive victories last month. Even Maresca hasn’t been immune, as he received two yellows and a subsequent one-match touchline ban against Liverpool.

The only fixture in recent weeks where Chelsea avoided a sending off was their Carabao Cup win against Lincoln, while the sole game without any booking this season came against Liverpool. Maresca has since admitted that his side’s discipline must improve if they want to keep their momentum going.

“For sure, it’s something that we can do better,” the Italian said on Tuesday. “Some of the red cards, we can avoid that.”

His words contrasted sharply with Chelsea captain Reece James’ comments after Saturday’s win in the East Midlands, where Malo Gusto saw red for a second booking. While acknowledging the run of dismissals, James played down the seriousness of the issue.

“It’s difficult, if you look at all of them, they’re all very much different red cards,” he said. “They’re not straight reds, they’re double bookings. I was next to him [Gusto] when I saw him going for the tackle, and it is a split second. He was there to win the ball, and he just mistimed it.

“I wouldn’t say this is a problem for us. We have to accept it. This is what’s happened in the past few games, but it’s not something that will continue.”

Two players come to the rescue

Maresca confirmed that both Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap are close to returning. Fernandez missed the Forest match after withdrawing from international duty with a knee issue, but could feature on Wednesday. Maresca made it clear, however, that there will be no shortcuts in his recovery.

“We have one more session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow,” Maresca said. “It is not something we have to be worried about. It’s to try and protect Enzo.”

The Italian also noted that Delap is “very close” to rejoining full training, although he’s unlikely to be match-ready before next month. “Liam is very close. He is not working with us yet. He is still out,” he said. “Hopefully in the next days he can start training with us.”

Delap has missed much of the season after a hamstring injury in Chelsea‘s win over Fulham back in August. That setback nearly scuppered Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich, leading Chelsea to recall Marc Guiu from his spell at Sunderland.

Guiu may now get his first start of the season against Ajax, with Delap still sidelined and Joao Pedro suspended after his red card versus Benfica. Maresca, though, has occasionally used Tyrique George as a No. 9 and refused to reveal who would be leading the line.

“We have him [Marc], we have also Tyrique who has played games as a nine in the past,” Maresca said. “He did well. He played I think against Benfica as a nine. We have different options. We have one more session this afternoon and then we decide.”

Chelsea tracking Paz

Chelsea are said to be monitoring Como midfielder Nico Paz, who is thriving under Blues legend Cesc Fabregas. The 21-year-old joined the Italian side from Real Madrid last year and has rapidly developed into one of Serie A’s standout playmakers.

This season, Paz has made a blistering start, notching four goals and four assists in seven appearances. That form has made him the league’s top assist-maker and its second-highest goalscorer, just behind Riccardo Orsolini.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are among several elite clubs scouting the Argentine, alongside Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Juventus. Real Madrid, however, hold a £7million buyback clause, giving them first refusal if they decide to bring him back.

Fabregas, who made 198 appearances and lifted two Premier League titles with Chelsea, has been glowing in his praise. “Nico is a champion,” the Spaniard said. “I’m very calm about him and his future. He can get to wherever he wants if he carries on with this hunger and humility. The talent and physicality are there.”

Chelsea were searching for a creative midfielder during the summer, strongly linked to both Xavi Simons and Fermin Lopez, though neither deal materialised. With Cole Palmer‘s ongoing fitness issues, the Blues remain short of spark in central areas – and Paz could well be on their their transfer shortlist come January.