Maresca issues fitness update and explains Chukwuemeka absence

Enzo Maresca has confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns heading into Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest, although he did reveal Carney Chukwuemeka missed Thursday’s win over Gent through illness.

Chukwuemeka, who made his first appearance of the season against Barrow, was set to be part of our squad for the UEFA Conference League clash at Stamford Bridge but fell ill overnight and was removed from the matchday group.

The midfielder will be assessed ahead of Forest’s visit to SW6 and Reece James remains sidelined through injury. Otherwise, our head coach says he has everyone available to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds.

‘Carney was in the squad [for Gent] but didn’t feel well during the night,’ said Enzo. ‘He was ill, this is why he wasn’t in the squad [when the team-sheets came out].

‘There is no update on the rest, everyone else is available [for Forest]. The only one who isn’t is Reece James, who is still out. The rest are available.’

The Blues head into the Premier League fixture full of confidence, with our 4-2 victory over Gent following wins against Brighton [also 4-2], Barrow, West Ham and Bournemouth in the past month.

With each victory comes greater confidence and trust, according to Maresca. And the Italian believes his side is playing ‘with an identity’ he hopes to see more of when Forest land in west London.

‘When you win games, it provides energy, trust, confidence,’ said Maresca. ‘So, for sure, it’s helping the process but the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not.

‘The results are helping us but I think they are especially convinced because they can see the identity and the purpose we have every game. I think that’s the most important thing.’