Chelsea news: Enzo Maresca comments speak volumes as Alejandro Garnacho gets reality check

Chelsea's attention is due to return to the Premier League after their midweek Carabao Cup exploits against Lincoln City. They will welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, allowing the likes of Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro to play against their old employers.

Last season, Cole Palmer scored all four as Enzo Maresca's team won 4-2 at home to the Seagulls. The reverse fixture went the way of Brighton, though, while Fabian Hurzeler's men came out on top when the rivals met in the FA Cup.

Chelsea suffered their first league defeat of the season on Saturday, going down 2-1 away to Manchester United after a red card for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. However, the Spaniard has avoided a lengthier ban, missing just one game for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Saturday's game against Brighton is one of three more for the Blues before the October international break. They also have a Champions League test against Jose Mourinho's Benfica, followed by a league match against a Liverpool side guaranteed to be top of the table at kick-off regardless of what happens this weekend.

As we look ahead to the next few weeks of football, there's plenty for Chelsea fans to get their teeth stuck into. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Stamford Bridge.

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Maresca fearful after Liverpool start

Enzo Maresca has fired an early warning sign about runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool. “If they continue in this way I think it is impossible to catch them, not just for us, but for all the clubs,” the Italian said.

“They have been doing a fantastic job since last year, and the players they have decided to buy shows the intention of the club to go again for the Premier League and the Champions League and that is quite clear," Maresca added.

There's a feeling from some that Liverpool haven't yet hit top gear as they aim to integrate record signing Alexander Isak. They have maximum points, though, and already sit five clear of the chasing pack.

Garnacho in Scaloni contact

Alejandro Garnacho has reached out to Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni for assurances over his international future, it has been claimed. The behaviour may be a recognition that a tough time at Manchester United leaves him with no guarantees with the World Cup just around the corner.

According to DSports, Garnacho has been told his performances this season will hold the key. Garnacho didn't make the squad for the 2022 World Cup, and is in danger of missing out again.

The winger has just eight senior caps for his country, with the most recent of those coming against Paraguay in November 2024. He wasn't part of Scaloni's last three squads, with the Albiceleste securing World Cup qualification at a canter.

Maresca decision 'backfired'

Enzo Maresca attempted to shut up shop at Old Trafford after Sanchez's early red card. It didn't work out, with Manchester United taking advantage of their extra man, but former United striker Teddy Sheringham has defended Maresca's call.

“After going down to 10 men, Enzo Maresca probably thought that he wanted to sure things up and keep the pressure on Manchester United,” Sheringham told Coin Poker. “As soon as Chelsea went down to 10, United were expected to win the game. If they could have held out for longer then the pressure would have built up inside Old Trafford and that would have worked in Chelsea’s favour.

“If they’d kept it to 1-0 then the game gets even more nervy for United towards the end because you can always nick a draw with a late goal, but it didn’t go to plan and Trevoh Chalobah’s goal just ended up being a consolation. I think he was just trying to keep his team in the game defensively and nick a goal, but he may have gone too far in that direction, and it backfired.”

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