João Félix Absent from Chelsea Squad for Conference League Clash with FC Astana
João Félix’s absence from Chelsea’s squad for the UEFA Conference League fixture against FC Astana has been attributed to an unspecified issue, which was reported by Simon Johnson of The Athletic.
The Portuguese forward, who has been a standout performer in Chelsea’s European campaign with four goals in as many matches, was expected to travel to Kazakhstan but was not spotted during the team’s final training session at Cobham.
Context on Félix’s Role and Recent Form
Félix has thrived in cup competitions this season under head coach Enzo Maresca, often playing as a key figure in Chelsea’s attack.
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However, his Premier League appearances have been more limited, largely due to Cole Palmer’s excellent form in the number 10 role. Despite these challenges, Félix remains an important player in Chelsea’s rotation, having made a substitute appearance in Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 win against Tottenham on Sunday.
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Other Key Absences and Maresca’s Strategy
Félix joins a list of first-team players who did not make the trip to Kazakhstan, as Maresca manages the squad’s workload for upcoming fixtures.
- Noni Madueke has stayed in England as he is likely to start in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, taking advantage of Pedro Neto’s suspension.
- Mykhailo Mudryk continues to recover from illness.
- Several academy players—reportedly more than ten—have been included in the traveling squad to give them exposure to European competition.
Key players expected to feature include Marc Guiu in attack, Filip Jorgensen replacing Robert Sanchez in goal, and Tyrique George possibly earning another start.
Maresca’s Rotation Plan
Maresca emphasized the need to balance the demands of the eight-hour flight and Thursday’s game against the preparation for the Premier League. He stated:
“More or less, we try to manage in the same way we have done before today. We have many young players, 17 players with us, and the rest will be here with us.”
Looking Ahead
Chelsea will be hopeful that Félix’s issue is minor, ensuring his availability for the Brentford match on Sunday. As the Blues aim to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions, effective squad management will remain crucial for Maresca and his team.
João Félix Absent from Chelsea Squad for Conference League Clash with FC Astana Due to Injury Concerns
