Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions that Chelsea are missing Joao Felix following the forward’s loan move to AC Milan, despite the club’s attacking struggles in recent weeks.
Chelsea were eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton on Sunday, managing just one goal – a fortunate own goal – against a side that had conceded seven to Nottingham Forest just a week earlier.
Despite their attacking woes, Maresca made it clear he has no regrets about the Portuguese’s departure.
The Portuguese forward completed a deadline-day loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season, ending a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge in which he struggled to cement a regular starting role after his big-money return last summer.
Maresca’s comments come amid growing concerns over Chelsea’s lack of firepower.
Nicolas Jackson, whose absence has highlighted his importance to the team, and Marc Guiu are both sidelined with injuries.
However, rather than lamenting Felix’s departure, Maresca’s stance suggests the forward was never a key part of his plans.
Maresca said after the 2-1 defeat that saw Chelsea exit the FA Cup at the fourth round stage: “I don’t think we miss Joao (Felix).
“Joao is happy [at AC Milan] and we are happy Joao is happy there.
“We had two striker injuries on deadline day, it is something difficult to think.
“Nico [Jackson] can be back very soon.
“Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are.
“Off the ball, [Jackson’s] pressing is always very good and, on the ball, he is a threat always.”
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