Chelsea FC v Shamrock Rovers FC - UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to play Christopher Nkunku instead of Joao Felix in the defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day. The Blues lost their first league game since October and only their third this season, bowing to a 2-1 defeat against their west London rivals.
Injuries appear to have left Chelsea looking stretched in recent games, with the likes of Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana out. Mykhailo Mudryk's alleged failed drug test also adds to their problems and Noni Madueke was not in the squad for the game.
Maresca made only one change in the game against the Cottagers, replacing striker Nicolas Jackson with France international Christopher Nkunku. The coach was questioned about his choice to go with Nkunku over Felix, and he explained his decision as having been influenced by balance.
