Chelsea prepares for Liverpool clash amid injuries, focusing on Salah containment

Chelsea Football Club is preparing for a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool on October 15, 2024, amid a defensive crisis. The team will be without several defenders, including Marc Cucurella, who is suspended after receiving a fifth yellow card. This situation has prompted manager Enzo Maresca to consider using Renato Veiga, a versatile summer signing, at left-back to help neutralize the attacking threat posed by Liverpool's star player, Mohamed Salah. Renato Veiga, who joined Chelsea from Basel for a modest fee of £12 million, has demonstrated his adaptability by performing well in various positions, including centre-back and holding midfielder. His recent performances earned him an international debut for Portugal, further showcasing his capabilities. Maresca has praised Veiga's versatility, indicating that he can fulfill multiple roles as needed, which is crucial given the current squad limitations. Chelsea has not beaten Liverpool in their last nine meetings across all competitions, with their last victory dating back to 2021. This historical context adds pressure on the team to secure a positive result at Anfield, especially as they aim to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League since their opening match loss to Manchester City. As Chelsea prepares for this challenging encounter, the focus will be on maintaining defensive solidity and finding a way to keep Salah quiet, which will be essential for achieving a favorable outcome in this high-stakes match.