Maresca confirms Garnacho deal, gives Palmer injury update and praises departing Nkunku

The Blues have started the season with four points in their last two games after drawing against Crystal Palace and thrashing West Ham.

Maresca will be looking for his second win of the season when Chelsea welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge.

The Italian was immediately asked about transfers and the increasingly likely signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

He said, as reported by Sportal, "I know he's almost here. He's a player whose position is very clearly a winger, and I see him as a winger. You can expect anything; the transfer window is open—anything can happen with both incoming and outgoing players.

"I joined the club a year ago saying I was in love with the squad, and it's only getting better. So, my feeling is exactly the same."

Maresca confirmed that Chelsea star Cole Palmer is injured: "Cole Palmer is out; we have to monitor his situation day by day. Benoît Badiashile is out, Roméo Lavia is out.

"I don't think they will be back after the international break, but they will be closer. I spoke with Thomas Tuchel, the decision is his, and he decided not to call up Cole; he won't be available tomorrow. The rest are fine."

"When Cole is not in the game, we have to find different solutions. Hopefully, we can do the same tomorrow."

Maresca spoke respectfully of tomorrow's opponents: "Solid, well-organised, they play good football, and it's no coincidence they are doing well. Marco Silva is good, the players are good. We have to be careful, as always."

Regarding the departing Christopher Nkunku, the Italian spoke highly of the player, who is heading to AC Milan: "Christo is a fantastic professional, first and foremost. The only problem is that in his position, there's a player like Cole, so it's been difficult for him to get minutes."