Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Wolves on October 29, 2025. Following Chelsea’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, as reported by Softfootball, the Blues are keen to bounce back in the knockout competition. Squad rotation and careful player management will be key as Maresca looks to balance competitiveness with player fitness.

Maresca offered insights on João Pedro in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, stressing the importance of full fitness for his forward line:

The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete.

He also highlighted Pedro’s creative role:

João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He’s a different striker profile.

Pedro is expected to feature in some capacity, though minutes may be managed carefully given the busy fixture schedule.

Maresca on João Pedro: “The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete”.

“João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He's a different striker profile”. pic.twitter.com/gEmPKD04QJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2025

As reported by Softfootball, Liam Delap, who Maresca confirmed is out against Sunderland but nearing return for the Cup clash, is set for his return after a two-month hamstring injury. Maresca confirmed:

He’s back, he’s available for tomorrow. But 90 minutes, not yet. He’s been out for months and has to be managed well now.

Delap trained fully on October 27 and is likely to come off the bench, while Marc Guiu is expected to start up front.

Maresca also suggested that Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and João Pedro could be rested to protect them for upcoming matches. Wolves, under Vítor Pereira, provide a challenging home test, with Chelsea needing to adapt quickly and execute efficiently to progress to the last eight. It’s worth noting that careful rotation and squad depth could be decisive in this knockout encounter.

Alejandro Garnacho has opened up about the reasons behind his move to Chelsea, explaining how a personal video call with manager Enzo Maresca played a major role in his decision. The Argentine winger completed a £40 million transfer from Manchester United in August 2025, a move reported by Softfootball.

Garnacho revealed, in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, that Chelsea’s vision under Maresca was what ultimately convinced him to make the switch. He said:

When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him.

That conversation gave him clarity on the tactical system Maresca wants to build, one that suits creative, fearless wingers capable of taking on defenders in one-on-one duels. It’s a style that has already been evident in recent games, including Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland, where the Argentine scored his first Chelsea goal, as reported by Softfootball.

For Garnacho, joining Chelsea represents more than just a change of clubs, as it is a leap in his development. He said, describing the Blues as the best team in the world after watching their Club World Cup triumph:

It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea.

He praised the club’s winning mentality, the competition for places, and the high standards that now define life at Stamford Bridge.

Garnacho on why he joined Chelsea: “When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him”.

“It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea”, told Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/OciJaqq2Pg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2025

The winger also admitted that a familiar face helped ease the transition. He said:

I spoke to Enzo Fernández during the summer… he had been asking, ‘When are you coming?’

Since arriving at Cobham, Garnacho has impressed staff with his work ethic and willingness to adapt. Sources close to the club say Maresca has already praised his attitude and commitment in training. The 20-year-old appears determined to repay the faith shown in him not just by Maresca, but by a club that believes he can become one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide players