A severe setback to Maresca consists of the BANNED of two Chelsea players from the massive match against Liverpool.

Scroll down to see how Chelsea could line up at Anfield later this month

TWO Chelsea stars will be banned for this month’s clash at Liverpool after becoming the first Premier League players to collect five yellow cards this season.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues travel to Anfield after the international break, with victory on Merseyside making Chelsea’s Italian manager just the fifth tactician to win his first five away games.

The match will be extremely tough for the visitors, with Liverpool top of the Premier League with six wins from seven.

However, Chelsea’s battle will be made all the harder after they lost two players for the crunch clash.

Key defenders Marc Cucurella and WesleyFofana have both been ruled out of the trip to Liverpool after each man picked up a booking against Nottingham Forest today.

The feisty game ended 1-1 as both sides missed several chances to win.

And late on at Stamford Bridge, a huge brawl broke out which saw Cucurella receive his fifth yellow card of the new season.

Fofana was booked earlier on for a clumsy challenge as he reached booking number five.

And the pair will now miss out on a place in Maresca’s team when Chelsea line up against their old rivals.

It means the Italian gaffer will have to tinker with his side, having only just settled on a consistent starting XI.

Candidates to replace centre-back Fofana include Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.

However, based on appearances this term, Tosin Adarabioyo is the most likely candidate to line up alongside Levi Colwill.

As for left-back Cucurella, Maresca could turn to misfit Ben Chilwell after the Englishman was reintroduced to the senior squad.

But it is much more likely that new signing Renato Veiga will get the nod after kicking off his Chelsea career with a goal in Thursday’s 4-2 win against Gent.

Maresca previously warned his Premier League XI that things can change very fast, with other talented players desperate to break into the side.

And after the disappointing draw with Forest, plus an international break coming up, it could be the perfect excuse for a few more changes.

Romeo Lavia is fit again after another injury lay-off and could come in for the underwhelming Enzo Fernandez.

While Pedro Neto is hoping to take advantage of Noni Madueke’s frustrating moments in the final third.

And Christopher Nkunku may finally get the nod ahead of the inconsistent Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Liverpool at Anfield will see them without key defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, both of whom are suspended after accumulating five yellow cards this season. This presents a selection dilemma for manager Enzo Maresca, who will need to adjust his lineup for this crucial match against the Premier League leaders.

For Fofana’s center-back role, Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to partner Levi Colwill, though Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are other possible replacements. As for left-back, while Ben Chilwell could return to the starting XI, new signing Renato Veiga, fresh off scoring against Gent, is more likely to start.

Chelsea could also see further changes, with Romeo Lavia back in contention after injury and potentially replacing Enzo Fernandez, who has struggled recently. In attack, Pedro Neto may challenge Noni Madueke, while Christopher Nkunku could start ahead of Nicolas Jackson, who has been inconsistent this season.

Chelsea will need to be at their best to overcome Liverpool, who are in strong form with six wins from seven games.