CHELSEA return to action TODAY against Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca’s men take on Ange Postecoglou’s side – but the Blues boss won’t be on the touchline.
Chelsea went into the international break with a massive win at Stamford Bridge, leaving it late to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier League.
Forest are without a win since the Postecoglou took charge, and they are on a run of three consecutive losses.
Chelsea have a good recent history at The City Ground, winning on both their previous visits, most recently to secure top four on the last day of the 2024/25 season.
SunSport can reveal why Maresca is not on the touchline for Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
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Why is Enzo Maresca not on the touchline for Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest?
Maresca is not on the touchline for the clash as he is serving a one-match suspension.
The Italian was shown a red card in the aftermath of Chelsea’s late 2-1 victory over Liverpool prior to the international break.
The Blues were late winners after an Estevao goal in the 95th minute, which led to Maresca charging down the touchline in celebration.
Maresca’s dash, alla Jose Mourinho, was deemed enough for a second yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.
It means he was sent off and he has since been slapped with an £8,000 fine.
As a result, Maresca’s assistant and former Blues stopper Willy Caballero will take charge of the clash at The City Ground.
What has Enzo Maresca said about his ban?
Maresca accepted the punishment given to him and said his red was “worth it”.
He said: “It was a huge emotion (against Liverpool). It’s my second season at Chelsea and it was the first time we won at home in the last minute.
“The sending-off? (I’ve said) many times, football is passion, instinct. I probably didn’t have time to think.
“It was an instinctive reaction, but I think it was worth it.”
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