Enzo Maresca elaborates on choice to safeguard three essential Chelsea players

The Blues are set to begin their latest European campaign next week. However, in order to manage the busy schedule ahead, the club has made the decision to leave out last season's standout performer, as well as two players who have recently recovered from long-term injuries.

‘The reason Cole, Wes and Romeo are out of the Conference League squad is just to protect them a little bit,’ confirmed Maresca, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s London derby against West Ham.

‘For West and Romeo it’s a bit different because they came from long injuries last year. For Cole it’s a mix in terms of it being a very tough season for him in terms of an intense season and we try to protect him.’

Several high-profile players have this week spoken about the possibility of going on strike amid the increasingly hectic schedule and Maresca would support a form of industrial action.

‘For me, it’s completely wrong with the amount of games that we have,’ he said. ‘But the only ones that can do something are the players and we can help them.

‘In the last two weeks some of the players have tried to explain what they think and I think it’s a good starting point. Some of them have said that [going on strike] could be an idea for them.’

Those sentiments were echoed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola who said the onus is on the players themselves to force change.

He said: ‘I agree with you, maybe for the first time, that many voices are talking about the players. I’m pretty sure that if something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something.

‘The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners, but without players you cannot play. The only ones to have the power to do it is them.

‘And also I’m pretty busy they’ve done it to adjust the game, to make it more attractive. That’s the reason why many players around the world, not just Rodders (Rodri), are starting to talk. We’ll see.’