Joao Felix will wait for his second Chelsea debut when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday night. And Enzo Maresca has a new player in his squad ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Joao Felix has rejoined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, this time on a permanent deal, signing a long-term contract this week. However, Maresca does not have many fitness issues hampering his preparations, with Reece James the only absentee for the away side.
However, the Italian tactician has sidelined several high-profile names, with Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling among those who have played their final games for the West London outfit. Meanwhile, Maresca spoke about Felix ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game and the prospect of his second debut for the club.
The Chelsea manager said, “He is available and for sure he can get chances to play. In terms of knowing the way we’re going to play, he is probably not ready yet. In terms of physicality, he is ready because he was already playing games there, so it’s just to understand if he needs more time to understand the way we’re going to play. But, overall, I think he can play.”
“He is a player that is going to help us. Potentially he is a top player, no doubt. I know Joao for many years. Working with him day by day, I will know him even better. We are going to try to help him improve and see if he can take one step forward to reach the level of the [very best] players.”
So, Felix will not start on Sunday, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line for Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Noni Madueke should complete the numbers in the final third, with Cole Palmer still regaining his sharpness.
As for the midfield unit, Enzo Fernandez should replace Moises Caicedo in the double pivot, with Romeo Lavia joining him in the double pivot. The backline should feature Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Finally, Robert Sanchez will take his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Palmer, Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku; Jackson
