Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained his decision to send Joao Felix on loan to AC Milan, just six months after the forward returned to Stamford Bridge.
Felix, who has already played for Benfica, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, hoped to establish himself in Maresca’s plans but struggled for regular game time.
Despite featuring 21 times this season, he started only three Premier League matches, with his last appearance coming against Ipswich on December 30.
Though Chelsea invested £45 million in the Portuguese forward, he was deemed surplus to requirements for the remainder of the campaign.
Maresca dismissed any controversy surrounding the move, emphasizing the club’s need for defensive stability. “Players train every day and want to play, but only 11 can start,” he said. “It was a mutual decision, and he never complained.
He’s been professional, but we need defensive balance. With too many attacking players, we risk conceding more, and I don’t like that.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea faces fresh injury concerns, with Marc Guiu suffering a long-term setback during the 2-1 win over West Ham. The young striker, who joined from Barcelona in the summer, now joins Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana on the club’s long-term injury list. Maresca confirmed, “It’s a bad injury. It doesn’t look short-term. It could be weeks or months.”
Nicolas Jackson also picked up a minor knock, leaving Christopher Nkunku as Chelsea’s only senior striker ahead of their FA Cup clash against Brighton. After speculation about a January exit, Nkunku is now expected to see increased minutes.
“Against West Ham, he played 30 minutes, and from now on, he’ll play more and help us,” Maresca assured.
With Felix gone and key attackers sidelined, Chelsea’s attacking depth will be put to the test as they navigate the remainder of the season.