Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca recently shared his concerns about the limited Premier League playing time for two of his high-profile players, Christopher Nkunku and João Félix. 
Maresca admitted he feels "shame" over their situations, highlighting the difficulty of achieving the right balance between defense and attack within the team.
Reflecting on the challenges, Maresca explained that while both Nkunku and Félix have excelled in cup competitions, they have struggled to find regular playing time in league fixtures.
"I feel a shame for Joao, and I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League," Maresca acknowledged. "But we need defensive balance and we cannot play with Joao, Cole [Palmer], Christo."
Despite his desire to utilize all his offensive options, Maresca stressed the importance of maintaining tactical stability for Chelsea's overall success.
João Félix rejoined Chelsea this summer in a significant £46.3 million deal from Atlético Madrid, committing to a seven-year contract that marks his permanent return after a previous loan period. Though the Portuguese forward has not started a league game this season, Maresca remains optimistic about his future contributions, believing Félix’s opportunity for consistent playing time will come soon.
Similarly, Christopher Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for a fee of £52 million, has found his Premier League appearances limited but has been highly effective in other competitions.
Nkunku has already scored eight goals across all competitions this season, showcasing his versatility by adapting to various attacking roles. Despite his strong performances, Nkunku has mostly been used as a substitute in league games, aligning with Maresca’s need for defensive security.
Chelsea faces a packed schedule in the coming days, with a UEFA Conference League fixture against Noah scheduled for Thursday, followed by a Premier League showdown against Arsenal on Sunday. These upcoming matches could offer Nkunku and Félix the chance to demonstrate their abilities and potentially secure more time on the pitch in league games.
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