Enzo Maresca has revealed why Alejandro Garnacho, despite being ready on the touchline, never made it onto the pitch in Chelsea’s clash today. The Argentine winger, widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the Premier League, was moments away from being introduced when an unforeseen change of plans altered everything.
Maresca explained after the game that Garnacho was set to come on when Wesley Fofana suddenly signaled that he could no longer continue, complaining of fatigue and discomfort. That forced the Chelsea manager to abandon his initial substitution idea and instead use the change to shore up his defense, leaving Garnacho sidelined for the rest of the evening.
The decision did not go unnoticed. Fans and pundits alike were quick to highlight Garnacho’s absence, particularly as Chelsea struggled to create much attacking spark in the final third. Many believed his pace and directness could have shifted the momentum in a match that remained delicately balanced. Social media was filled with calls for his introduction, with supporters questioning why such a dynamic option was left unused.
Maresca admitted it was frustrating but insisted he had little choice once Fofana asked to come off. Protecting the defender, who has been working his way back from injury, took priority over tactical plans. The Italian stressed that in a long and grueling season, managing player fitness is just as important as chasing immediate results, even if it means shelving attacking options in key moments.
The reaction among supporters has been split. Some sympathized with Maresca’s decision, understanding the need to protect Fofana, while others argued that he should have found another way to introduce Garnacho later on. One fan summed it up online: “We all wanted Garnacho, but if Fofana couldn’t continue, the manager had no choice. Still, unlucky for the kid.”
Maresca assured fans that Garnacho remains central to his plans and will have a bigger role to play in upcoming fixtures. For now, though, the teenager must wait a little longer for his next opportunity to shine, while Chelsea are left to reflect on how quickly an unexpected twist can reshape a Premier League game.
