Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Reece James is the only player missing tomorrow night’s Conference League clash against Gent due to injury.

The Blues welcome the Belgian side to Stamford Bridge as our UEFA Conference League group stage begins on Thursday evening.

Ahead of the European Cup, Maresca confirmed that he has a fully operational squad to choose from, apart from James, who remains sidelined, and the players left out of the Conference League squad such as Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Ben Chillwell.

“They are all available unless they have been left out of the (Conference League) squad, plus Reece (James) is unavailable,” our head coach confirmed in his pre-match press conference.

“We try to have a conversation with everyone. At the moment it looks like we have players playing in the Premier League and cup competitions, but that’s not the case. At the moment it is like that, but in general it won’t be like that.

“We try to give all the players the opportunity and against Barrow they all played a very good game. “Hopefully we can do the same tomorrow.”

Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal for Chelsea as the summer signing has impressed in his previous cup appearances, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be hoping to return to the matchday squad following Maresca’s omission against Brighton.

“Filip has to perform well because we need him, not because he needs to put Robert under pressure,” Enzo added.

“We need him to play a good game because the team needs him to play a good game.” That’s the same for all players.

“For Kiernan and all the players who weren’t in the squad there were no physical problems (against Brighton).

“This (leaving the squad) happened last week with Kiernan and will happen with other players too.”

“I’m very happy with Kiernan and it was just a decision I made.” “That’s the bad part of my job, it’s not the one I prefer but it’s part of my role.”