Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered an encouraging injury update ahead of the Blues' vital Premier League encounter against Everton at Stamford Bridge. The match holds immense significance as Chelsea fight for a top-five finish and a coveted Champions League spot. Let's delve into the key takeaways from Maresca's pre-match press conference: **Injury News:** * **Malo Gusto:** The young right-back, who picked up a muscle injury against Fulham, will miss the Everton game. However, Maresca confirmed the injury is not serious, with Gusto already back on the training pitch. His absence is expected to be short-term. * **Marc Guiu:** Guiu's recovery is progressing well, and Maresca anticipates his return to action within one to two weeks. The midfielder's return will be a significant boost to Chelsea's midfield options. * **Aaron Anselmino:** Remains sidelined. * **Romeo Lavia:** Fully recovered from injury, Lavia is back in the squad and will be carefully managed, similar to Reece James's approach, ensuring his gradual reintegration into the team. * **Reece James:** The seasoned right-back is showing excellent recovery and fitness, successfully featuring in multiple games across the Conference League and Premier League. **The Everton Clash:** The match against Everton marks Maresca's 50th game in charge of Chelsea, a significant milestone. Chelsea boasts an impressive home record against Everton, undefeated at Stamford Bridge for an astounding 29 matches (since 1994). Despite a 0-0 draw earlier in the season at Goodison Park, Chelsea will be confident of securing a win at home, especially considering Everton's improved league standing under David Moyes. **The Road to Champions League:** With victory, Chelsea could leapfrog into a Champions League qualification place, a pivotal step in their end-of-season ambitions. The race for top-five spots is fiercely competitive, with several teams vying for position, and the upcoming FA Cup semi-finals further influencing the league table dynamics. This game is a must-win for Chelsea’s Champions League aspirations. **Maresca's Reflection:** Maresca expressed his satisfaction with his time at Chelsea, highlighting the learning curve from managing multiple competitions and the intense schedule. He acknowledges both the good and bad moments experienced so far, emphasizing the club's vision and the team's position at the beginning of that journey. His tenure, spanning 50 matches, marks a significant milestone. This match against Everton is a key test of Chelsea's progress under his leadership. **Additional Note:** Don't miss the Chelsea Women's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Sunday! Secure your tickets now!