Key Takeaways:
- Enzo Maresca confirmed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson will not feature against West Ham as they await potential transfers
- Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell continue separate training while their futures remain unresolved
- Maresca is searching for an internal solution to Chelsea’s defensive crisis following Levi Colwill’s injury
Squad Selection Shaped by Transfer Speculation
Enzo Maresca has announced he will exclude Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s upcoming fixture with West Ham, citing ongoing transfer discussions regarding both players’ future. While Jackson is deemed available for selection, Maresca has chosen to rely on other forwards, anticipating possible player movement before the transfer window closes. Both Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are similarly training away from the main group as they too await updates concerning their own situations at the club.
🚨⚠️ Maresca on Nkunku and Jackson: “We will see if they are going to be here with us. If not, it means they found a solution”.
“I think it's better if they find a solution because they are going to be more happy. Both won't be in the squad tomorrow”. pic.twitter.com/sElv263sPL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025
Addressing Defensive Dilemmas
When questioned about the prospect of recruiting a new central defender in response to Levi Colwill’s recent severe injury, Maresca reiterated his commitment to finding solutions within the current squad. “We showed that in the match against Crystal Palace. We’ll see what happens. I repeat, we are seeking an internal solution,” he explained.
Player Availability and Injury Updates
The Chelsea manager provided further updates on the squad’s fitness. Tosin Adarabioyo is nearing a return after an injury layoff, while Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile are still in the process of recuperation. Regarding Wesley Fofana, who recently removed all Chelsea-related images from his Instagram profile, Maresca clarified the player’s happiness at being back in training and dismissed any speculation stemming from social media activity, asserting, “I have no idea about Instagram because I don’t use social media. If there have been insults towards him there, that is never good. This is something, unfortunately, we cannot control.” Maresca suggested Fofana may receive some playing time as early as tomorrow’s fixture.
