Chelsea ace's response to training call-out, injury update, Estevao dressing room claim backed

Enzo Maresca has spoken in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues entertain the Black Cats, looking to make it FIVE straight wins across all competitions, after beating Benfica, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Ajax. Maresca's side would move up to second in the table - for a matter of hours at least - if they win on Saturday.

In his press conference, Maresca was asked about Marc Guiu, fresh off the back of his first goal for Chelsea this season, Estevao, the club's injury situation and much more. So, with that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the best from the Italian's chat with the media on Friday.

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Guiu chat

Maresca revealed that he spoke to Marc Guiu two weeks ago and told him he didn't like the way he was training. The 19-year-old started the season on loan at Saturday's opponents, Sunderland, but was recalled after Liam Delap injured his hamstring and Nicolas Jackson was loaned to Bayern Munich.

"We have a chat with Marc two weeks ago," Maresca said on Friday. "I told him that I didn't like the way he was training and he needed to change. He changed."

"He was not training well in all the ways," Maresca added. "Since we chat, he's been fantastic. It's good."

Guiu scored once in three appearances for Sunderland before Chelsea terminated his loan and informed him that he was returning to Stamford Bridge. However, despite their lack of options in the forward area, Guiu didn't feature up until the 2-1 win against Liverpool before the last international break.

He came on for the final 16 minutes in that one before playing a half each against Nottingham Forest and Ajax since the two-week hiatus. Guiu has impressed, with the former Barcelona man making an impact off the bench at Forest before scoring in the first period in the rout over Ajax in west London.

As well as saying Guiu is ready to start, Maresca said: "Marc is a typical No.9. He is physically strong, a box player. Again, he can improve and do many things better. We are working with him every game to try and help him. In terms of Joao Pedro, we know he can play as a No.9 or a No.10. He's very good in both positions."

Injury update

Maresca has confirmed that Liam Delap is nearing a return to action and could be available for next Wednesday's Carabao Cup trip to Wolves. The 22-year-old hasn't featured since the 2-0 win against Fulham in August after injuring his hamstring but is expected to be back in the next week.

While revealing that his squad came through Wednesday's Champions League win against Ajax unscathed, Maresca said: "We don't have any new injuries. Liam took part of the session yesterday with the team for the first time. He is not going to be available for tomorrow but probably for the next one."

"He can be available," Maresca added on Delap, when asked if he'll be fit to face Wolves.

Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer and Dario Essugo remain out.

Estevao dressing room claim

Maresca has defended Enzo Fernandez's decision to give the ball to Estevao and allow the Brazilian the chance to score from the penalty spot during Chelsea's win against Ajax.

Fernandez had already netted from 12 yards when the Blues were awarded a second spot-kick of the night in injury-time in the first half. But, instead of giving himself the chance of scoring another goal, the Argentine handed the ball over to Estevao, who stepped up and converted the penalty.

"It's very, very good," Maresca said. "I told the players after the game that for sure we were happy about winning but the main thing about that game was Enzo giving the ball to Estevao. It shows how the team are at the moment and how they are all together."

Estevao, who admitted post-match that he didn't expect Fernandez to give him the ball, also insisted that his team-mate's gesture sums up the feeling in the dressing room right now.

He told ESPN Brasil: "Enzo is a great guy, he gave me the opportunity to take the penalty.

"I didn't expect (him to let me take it) because he had scored the first goal, I said, 'He'll want to score another.' But I looked at him, he gave me the ball, I was very happy. This really reflects our group, very united, very hard-working, we help each other. I'm very happy to have helped Chelsea."