Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence that players like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Levi Colwill possess the quality to compete in the UEFA Champions League.

As the Blues aim to secure a top-five Premier League finish and return to Europe’s elite competition, Maresca emphasized the importance of their upcoming fixtures.

“Absolutely yes, I don’t think Cole is the only player who deserves [Champions League football],” Maresca stated. “I think Moi [Caicedo] also, Enzo Fernández, and Levi Colwill deserve Champions League. This is why we have been there and we’ll try to be there. We have many players in terms of status who deserve to play in the Champions League.”

Chelsea’s path to Champions League qualification has suffered a setback and seems like an uphill task at this point. Following a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, the Blues must secure victories against Manchester United on Friday night and away at Nottingham Forest the following Sunday to guarantee a top-five finish. The loss to Newcastle, where Nicolas Jackson received a red card, has further complicated their campaign.

The suspension of Jackson, combined with injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, leaves Chelsea without a recognized striker for the remaining league matches. Maresca acknowledged the challenge, noting, “He [Jackson] has improved a lot in my personal opinion. For sure, if another nine was here, it is probably better for him.”

Despite the setbacks, Maresca remains optimistic about Chelsea’s prospects. He believes that with the talent at his disposal, the team can achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League. “We are ready to finish in the top five because we have been consistent enough, not to compete for the title but enough to qualify for the Champions League because we have been there all season,” he asserted.

As the season reaches its climax, Chelsea’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be pivotal in determining their European fate.