Overview
- Chelsea drew 2-2 at Qarabag in Baku, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho equalising, leaving group qualification still within reach.
- Enzo Maresca made seven changes to the lineup for a fifth straight match, taking the total to 85 starting alterations in 16 games this season.
- The manager said rotation is necessary to protect players following a 13‑month campaign that included the Club World Cup and a two‑week preseason.
- TalkSPORT reports the club’s leadership are encouraging a season-long rotation strategy to manage workload and build depth.
- Several young starters struggled and Romeo Lavia departed after four minutes with a suspected injury, intensifying concerns over cohesion and fitness.