Chelsea head to Sweden for their UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden, with Enzo Maresca back on the touchline and ambitions of continental silverware firmly in sight. But all eyes are on the pitch — literally — as the controversial artificial surface raises alarm bells within the squad.
Memories of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s 2019 injury still linger, with the club wary of risking key players like Reece James on the unforgiving terrain. Maresca is expected to rotate his side, possibly offering a spotlight moment to Tyrique George, while still pushing for a dominant away performance to avoid pressure in the return leg.
With Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool looming, Chelsea must balance their European ambition with top-flight priorities — a dangerous tightrope as they seek to reclaim their place among the continent’s el
ite.
