Maresca reacts to Garnacho transfer speculation, Palmer’s injury and City’s struggles

Enzo Maresca has shut down speculation linking Chelsea with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting he is “happy” with the strikers he currently has at his disposal.

A report in Sky Sports said the Blues were mulling a move for the Argentine, who recently lost his place in Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up in recent weeks.

Amorim refused to confirm whether the 20-year-old will stay at Old Trafford this month, but Chelsea boss Maresca says Stamford Bridge is unlikely to be his destination.

Asked about the reports ahead of facing Manchester City on Sunday, the Italian said: “No, no. I’m happy with the ones we have at the moment.

“We’ve said many times on the right side, it’s Pedro (Neto) and Noni (Madueke), and the left side is Jadon (Sancho).

“Misha (Mudryk) was with us and now she is not with us. I think Tyrique (George) is a young profile that can help us at this moment, we are good.”

A trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sq5pz7efwz

– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 23, 2025

Maresca in Man City’s fight: ‘Pep needs support’

City comfortably beat Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, but the duo have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since then.

The defending champions have been on a roll this term, sitting 12 points off leaders Liverpool in fifth, while Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain leaves them on the brink of Champions League elimination.

But Maresca, who was assistant manager to Pep Guardiola during two spells between 2021 and 2023, is confident the Catalan tactician will return City to their previous winning ways.

The 44-year-old said: “Pep is strong enough. Like any human being, he needs support. In the last eight or nine years, they have always been at the top, always winning trophies and important things.

“It’s normal, it can happen. What doesn’t happen is the number of years they’ve won trophies.

“What is normal is what is happening now. He will surely come back with many trophies soon.

“My relationship with Pep and the club is very good. I have said many times that my contact is very good, I will always be grateful for the trust they have shown in me.

“Any club, any moment, any player. Most clubs that have this moment, they’re done, but he’ll be fine.”

Chelsea injury news

Maresca says talismanic striker Cole Palmer is “getting better”, after sitting out Chelsea’s recent win at Morecambe, although he then played against Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.

The Italian said: “He is better. He made an incredible effort to play against Wolves and is getting better.”

On the fitness of the rest of his squad, Maresca said: “Probably Levi (Colwill) and Enzo (Fernandez) could be ready (to face Man City), it depends on today’s session.

“Romeo (Lavia) will be out for Saturday. We don’t know (the severity of the injury) yet. We have to wait a little more, but at least a few more weeks (he will be out).”