Will Chelsea’s Pedro Neto Miss the Champions League Match in Baku?
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Synopsis
Chelsea faces a challenging Champions League matchup against Qarabag in Baku, but without the key player Pedro Neto. As the team aims for another victory, will they manage to perform well in his absence? Discover the latest updates from manager Enzo Maresca and insights on the upcoming game.
Key Takeaways
- Pedro Neto will not travel for the match against Qarabag.
- The team is focusing on player health amid a busy schedule.
- Chelsea aims for a third consecutive Champions League victory.
- Manager Enzo Maresca stresses the importance of rotation.
- Upcoming fixtures include a match against Wolverhampton.
London, Nov 4 (NationPress) Chelsea's winger Pedro Neto has been excluded from the traveling squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Qarabag in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, as confirmed by manager Enzo Maresca.
Neto seems to have sustained a minor calf issue during Chelsea's recent 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, prompting the decision to rest him as a precaution, according to Maresca on Tuesday. The Blues are looking to secure their third consecutive victory in the competition.
"It's not a major problem, just a minor concern. We want to ensure his protection. He won't participate in tomorrow's match," the coach stated. "We definitely need to rotate some players, considering we return to London at 6 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Friday, followed by another game on Saturday. We’ll adapt and give our best effort."
Currently in seventh place, Chelsea will face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are at the bottom of the Premier League standings, this Saturday.
In their Champions League journey, Chelsea has gained momentum after a rocky start; following a defeat to Bayern Munich, they achieved consecutive victories against Benfica and Ajax Amsterdam, currently sitting 11th in the rankings, tied on six points with 13th-placed Qarabag.
"Qarabag has secured wins against Benfica and Copenhagen. They were leading against (Athletic) Bilbao before losing in the end. It promises to be a challenging match for various reasons," Maresca commented.
The Italian manager also expressed admiration for Qarabag's coach Gurban Gurbanov, who has led the club to 11 Azerbaijan Premier League titles since 2008. "What he's achieved is unprecedented. Seventeen years with one club is extraordinary," he added.
Moreover, Maresca is uncertain about the recovery timeline for midfielder Cole Palmer, indicating that he may not be ready for Chelsea’s home Champions League game against Barcelona on November 25.
"(Cole) is not currently participating in team sessions. We expect (centre-back) Benoit Badiashile to be available post-international break, which is fantastic news for us," he concluded.
Point of View
It’s evident that Chelsea is strategically managing player health ahead of a busy schedule. The decision to rest Neto reflects a broader trend in professional sports where teams prioritize long-term player fitness over short-term gains. This approach may be crucial for Chelsea's success in both domestic and European competitions.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pedro Neto not traveling with the squad?
Pedro Neto is not traveling with the squad due to a minor calf issue sustained during Chelsea's recent match against Tottenham, as confirmed by manager Enzo Maresca.
What is Chelsea's current standing in the Champions League?
Chelsea currently sits in 11th place in the Champions League standings, tied on six points with 13th-placed Qarabag.
Who will Chelsea face after the match against Qarabag?
After facing Qarabag, Chelsea will host Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are currently at the bottom of the Premier League table.
What did Enzo Maresca say about player rotation?
Enzo Maresca emphasized the need for player rotation due to the tight schedule, stating that the team returns to London early Friday morning before a Saturday game.
When is Chelsea's next Champions League match after Qarabag?
Chelsea's next Champions League match will be at home against Barcelona on November 25.
