Overview

• The FA gave Enzo Maresca a one-match touchline ban and a £8,000 fine after his second yellow for celebrating Estevao Willian’s 95th‑minute winner against Liverpool.
• Maresca will miss the dugout at the City Ground but can communicate with staff, enter the dressing room at set times and conduct media duties under FA rules.
• Assistant coach Willy Caballero will lead Chelsea on the touchline, with first‑team coaches Danny Walker and Roberto Vitiello supporting.
• Chelsea’s injury list remains significant: Cole Palmer is out for weeks with a groin issue, Dario Essugo is recovering from thigh surgery with reports pointing to a possible return in January, and Levi Colwill is a long‑term absentee with an ACL injury.
• There is cautious optimism over returns for Reece James and Moises Caicedo, with defensive options such as Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile also in contention, while Enzo Fernandez’s status is yet to be confirmed.