Enzo Maresca confirms key Chelsea player is set to miss Blues' Conference League clash against Gent

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has said that barring captain Reece James, the Blues have a completely fit squad ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League opener at home to Gent on Thursday (October 3).

James, 24, has been dogged by injuries in the last few seasons. Having played just 11 times last campaign, the England international is yet to appear for the Blues this season.

He was a part of the club's pre-season tour of the US, but a hamstring injury has delayed his season debut. As per the team news shared by the Blues ahead of Gent's visit, James is the only absentee due to injury, with Maresca saying:

"They are all available unless they have been left out of the (Conference League) squad, plus Reece (James) is not available."

Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Romeo Lavia are not a part of the squad to face the Belgian side, with Maresca explaining:

"We try to share minutes with all of them. In this moment, it looks like we have players playing in the Premier League and in the cup competitions, but it is not like this. In this moment, it is like this, but in general, it won't be like this.

"We try to give all the players the opportunity, and against Barrow, they all did a very good game. Hopefully, tomorrow, we can do the same."

Maresca's side are on a five-game unbeaten streak across competitions, winning the last four, including a 3-0 win at West Ham United in the Premier League at the weekend.

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"We are going to try to do our best" - Chelsea boss ahead of Gent showdown

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is not viewing the UEFA Europa Confernece League with any less seriousness than any other European competition ahead of Gent's visit on Thursday.

The Blues are chasing history, looking to become the first team to win all major European club competitions, having won the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

"It is an official competition," said Maresca (as per Football London). "We are excited, and we are going to try to do our best. It is a European competition, and we need to be ready for it."

About his side chasing history, he added:

"We are. But we are happy and excited about tomorrow's game. ... You have to go game after game, and that is how we're trying to approach the rest of the season."

Despite a 2-1 second-leg away defeat, Chelsea overcame Servette 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off to reach the finals.