Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be forced to watch from the stands this weekend as he serves a one-match touchline ban, handed down by the Football Association after collecting a third yellow card this season.
The FA confirmed on Monday that the Italian coach will miss Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash at home to Everton. His latest caution came during stoppage time in Sunday’s intense London derby win over Fulham, where he couldn’t contain his celebrations following Pedro Neto’s stunning late winner.
That 2-1 victory was pivotal; it nudged Chelsea into fifth place, which currently represents the final Champions League spot, edging them just ahead of Nottingham Forest on goal difference. However, Forest had the chance to reclaim their position with a positive result against Tottenham on Monday evening.
Maresca, 45, has now accumulated three yellow cards this season, triggering the automatic one-match suspension. His previous bookings came during fixtures against Newcastle and Bournemouth.
While he’ll be absent from the technical area for Saturday’s match, it won’t be for long. He’s expected to return in time for the crunch encounter against Premier League leaders Liverpool on May 4, also at Stamford Bridge.
With Maresca sidelined, assistant coach and former Blues goalkeeper Willy Caballero will likely take charge from the touchline against Everton. Since joining the backroom staff, the Argentine has remained a close and trusted figure within the coaching team.
What It Means for Chelsea
- Chelsea currently sit 5th in the Premier League.
- A win against Everton could solidify their Champions League ambitions.
- Maresca’s absence may test the team’s composure, especially with tough fixtures ahead.
Final Thoughts
Maresca’s animated touchline presence has become a hallmark of Chelsea’s revitalised campaign. While his passion has cost him a matchday role this Saturday, it underlines the emotion and intensity he brings to the club.
Whether Caballero can channel that same energy remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: Chelsea’s hunt for a top-four finish continues with or without their head coach on the sidelines.
