Chelsea boss has Brighton selection headache after completely changed squad breeze past Barrow

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he has a selection headache ahead of their Premier League clash at home to Brighton on Saturday after his completely changed side breezed through into the last 16 of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night following a 5-0 win over League Two side Barrow.

Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick, along with an own goal from Barrow keeper Paul Farman and a first Chelsea goal from Pedro Neto, to book the Blues’ place in the next round.

Maresca made 11 changes to his side for the third round tie, with Cesare Casadei, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk all starting.

“I’m very happy with the performance and the result,” said the former Leicester City boss.

“We made many changes, but the idea of the team was exactly the same. This has to be our target, no matter who plays, the identity of the team has to always be there.

“I’m always worried a lot about these types of games – they’re tricky games when you can underestimate the other team. You can concede goals and chances.

“But tonight, the performance was very good and we showed how serious we are. At the moment, everyone is available apart from Romeo Lavia and Reece James, so we wanted to share minutes with all of the players.”

Portuguese winger Neto joined the Blues in the summer from Wolves but is yet to play more than 60 minutes in the Premier League for the west Londoners.

“I’m happy for Pedro,” said Maresca.

“I’m happy for Christopher and for Joao. I said already that they all deserve to play from the start in the Premier League, but they are not playing in this moment.

“The way they take their chance when we give them some minutes is fantastic.

“No matter if it’s five minutes, 45 minutes or 90 minutes, they’re all ready. The most important thing for me is that they [the players who came into the starting line-up] make my life difficult.

“That means they are all doing well. It’s a key point that we need to continue.”