Ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Maresca confirmed six absences in his Friday press conference.
"Fortunately, we don't have any additional injuries," he said. "Noni [Madueke] will probably be out until the international break. The rest: Nico [Jackson] out, Wes [Fofana] out, Benoit [Badiashile] out, Romeo [Lavia] out, Marc Guiu out."
Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended, further depleting Chelsea’s squad.
With several key players missing, Maresca may call upon emerging talents, with three youngsters potentially in line for first-team involvement. The club’s Under-21s played against Manchester United on Friday night, but defenders Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino, along with winger Tyrique George, were notably absent—suggesting they could be included in Saturday’s squad.
Acheampong, enjoying a breakthrough season, has already made five senior appearances and featured on the bench 11 times. Anselmino, recalled from his loan at Boca Juniors in January, made his Under-21s debut against Liverpool last week and has also been named in first-team squads for league and FA Cup matches.
As for George, Maresca admitted the 19-year-old is "not 100 percent ready" but acknowledged the club’s injury crisis might necessitate his inclusion.
Other Under-21 players, such as midfielder Samuel Rak-Sakyi and forward Shim Mhueka, have been on the fringes of the first team. However, both played on Friday, making their involvement against Villa less likely.
Reflecting on his progress, Rak-Sakyi told club media:
"It's been positive for me. I've made my debut this season, which is something I’m really proud of—my family too. It’s been a good season so far, and I just want to keep pushing on. I want to use those experiences to help the Under-21s and make an impact on the pitch."
As Chelsea look to regain momentum in the Premier League, Maresca may have no choice but to lean on youth against an in-form Aston Villa side.
