Maresca explains two surprise Chelsea absentees from squad to face Leicester

Maresca is without two big names for the trip to former club Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

Reece James' latest hamstring injury was well-publicised before the match, but Neto and Gusto were both expected to feature.

Speaking before the game, Maresca explained that Gusto was 'feeling unwell during the night' and therefore is out of the squad.

Neto on the other hand, 'suffered a kick during the international break that he hasn't been able to shake off'.

Maresca added that the Portugal international is 'getting better' but admitted that he 'can't take a risk with him today'.

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Neto last appeared in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, during which he scored the equaliser late in the 70th minute after Gabriel Martinelli's opener.

Cole Palmer is fit to face Leicester, with Enzo Fernandez captaining the side with Romeo Lavia dropping to the bench since their last Premier League game.

Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix both start for the Blues, with Nicholas Jackson up front and Sanchez in goal.

It will be a trip down memory lane for Maresca, who coached Leicester from 2023 until the end of last season, leading them to secure promotion back to the Premier League after a year in the Championship.

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The Foxes won the Championship in April with a 3-0 away victory at Preston North End and less than two months later, he was announced as Chelsea's new manager.

Maresca succeeded Mauricio Pochettino at the helm of the west London club and has enjoyed a strong start to his first top-flight campaign.

Chelsea have gone unbeaten in three games so far and will look to build on their success in the Midlands on Saturday.

They travel to Germany to face Bundesliga side Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are currently top of the Europa Conference League standings, maintaining a perfect start with three wins in as many games.