Chelsea Prepares for Conference League Tie, Faces Turf Concerns

Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 win against Everton to keep their Champions League hopes alive, with manager Enzo Maresca praising both individual and team performances despite having to watch from the stands due to a ban. Nicolas Jackson broke his goal drought with the decisive strike, while goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and midfielder Cole Palmer also received commendations from Maresca for their resilience during challenging periods. Maresca emphasized the team's improvement when Romeo Lavia and Reece James are available, noting their top-level contributions but also the need to manage their fitness. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella's consistent and versatile performances have made him indispensable in Chelsea's push for both Champions League qualification and a potential Conference League title. The team must also contend with challenges such as playing on artificial turf in their upcoming Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden, which has previously been linked to injury concerns for Chelsea players. Fan sentiment remains mixed, with the Stamford Bridge crowd's support and the team's fluctuating form drawing both praise and criticism during a crucial phase of the season.