Chelsea will be without their manager on the touchline for a crucial festive fixture after Enzo Maresca received a one-match suspension.
Touchline ban confirmed for Stamford Bridge clash
Enzo Maresca will be forced to watch from the stands when Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Friday, December 27. The Italian boss has been handed an automatic one-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards this season.
His third booking came during Chelsea's dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle United this past Saturday. The suspension means he will not be able to engage in a direct tactical duel with his opposite number, Unai Emery, from the technical area.
Maresca explains referee complaint
When questioned about the incident that led to his latest caution, Maresca pointed to inconsistent officiating. He explained that he was frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of parity in the referee's decisions.
"I was complaining just because the same foul was a yellow card for us and they did exactly the same foul three times," Maresca stated. "Make a foul from behind and no yellow card. So I was just complaining why the same foul, one is yellow card and the other one is no yellow card."
Villa's London double and a Chelsea boost
The match forms part of a demanding London double-header for Aston Villa over the festive period. After facing Chelsea, Villa will travel to the Emirates Stadium just three days later to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal on December 30.
In a positive development for Chelsea, they are expected to welcome back exciting young talent Estevao for the Villa encounter. The 18-year-old Brazilian sensation has missed the Blues' last two matches with a minor injury but could be in contention for a place on the bench.
This fixture pits third against fourth in the Premier League table, making Maresca's absence from the sideline a significant factor in a high-stakes encounter.
