Maresca Stands Firm on Transfer Strategy Amid Striker Injury Crisis

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed satisfaction with the club's winter transfer window outcomes, even as injuries plague his striking options. Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both sustained injuries during Chelsea's 2-1 victory over West Ham on Monday. While Jackson's hamstring issue leaves him doubtful for the FA Cup clash against Brighton, Guiu's condition is more severe, potentially sidelining him for weeks or months.

Maresca emphasized that he has 'no regrets' about not signing an additional attacker in January, despite links to high-profile players like Alejandro Garnacho, Mathys Tel, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. He stated, "We did all the things we needed. Before the last game, we had two strikers, Nico and Marc. Sometimes we adapt Christo [Nkunku] there, but if both are out, we'll find a different solution."

The Blues allowed six players to leave in January, including Joao Felix, who moved to AC Milan on loan. Maresca explained the decision, highlighting the need for defensive balance: "We decided, all together, that it was a good option for him to leave. He has been professional, but I think we need to manage our attacking players better to avoid conceding goals."

Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku, who was rumored to be a January target for Manchester United, is set to see increased playing time. Maresca confirmed, "Yes, for sure. Against West Ham, he played about half an hour. From now on, he can hopefully get more minutes and help us."

In other news, winger Mykhailo Mudryk is under a provisional suspension for allegedly using a banned performance-enhancing substance, adding to Chelsea's challenges as they navigate a packed fixture schedule.