Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner has urged injury-hit Chelsea not to call up Trevo Chalupa following the Blues' recent 1-1 Premier League draw at Selhurst Park.
Enzo Maresca's side, who loaned Chalupa to the Eagles last August, are currently facing an injury crisis. Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season, and Benoit Badiashelli is currently suffering from a hamstring injury.
Given their current situation, Maresca was forced to field Josh Acheampong at centre-back against Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday. When asked about his team’s plans during the winter transfer period, he replied (h/t Football Transfers):
“Even if we didn't decide to buy players or sell players, we already knew that Josh was good enough. But with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana injured, we will see if something can happen.”
After the Premier League final at Selhurst Park, Glasner shared his two cents on the possibility Chelsea Remembering Shaluba this month. He said (h/t Football Transfers):
“I could see Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo on the bench. I don't know if you need another player if you play with two. I was just reading that Aaron Anselmino (has) returned so they have five. I don't know what they are planning, Trevo is working fine. Very good for us.”
So far this season, Chalupa has started all 14 matches in all competitions for Glasner's side. It appeared on the 12th Premier League matches, where he scored three times and received a yellow card for them.
Enzo Maresca talks about Chelsea's poor performance
Following Chelsea's 1-1 league draw at Selhurst Park, Enzo Maresca was asked for his opinion on his side's sub-par performance. He replied (h/t Football.london):
He added, “Two or three weeks ago we were talking about the title race. I never thought (about the title race). We knew that Newcastle (United), Aston Villa and Manchester City would be there, so for me, it is not about the title.” “The schedule, it's about how we can improve things.”
Maresca, who left Leicester City to join the Blues in 2024, continued:
“The performance today was very good on and off the ball. I knew at this moment in the season that it would happen in every season that some teams would not win some games. The reason behind that, I think every game is sometimes I think for one reason, sometimes for another reason.”
Chelsea, which ranks fourth with 36 points from 20 league matches, possessed 62% of the ball and shot 15 shots in its match against Crystal Palace.
The Blues will take over next Morecambe In the FA Cup on January 11.
Edited by Deepkalpa Banerjee
