Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is grappling with a growing injury list and a string of red cards ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax, as the club seeks stability after a turbulent September.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez could return after missing a week with a knee problem, but Maresca stressed the Argentina international would not be rushed back in the pursuit of a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

“Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow. It’s not something to be worried about. It’s about protecting Enzo,” Maresca told reporters on Tuesday.

Centre-back Benoit Badiashile is the latest addition to Chelsea’s injury list, becoming the sixth player sidelined recently.

“It’s difficult, especially because most of the injuries came just a day or two before games,” Maresca said. “We’re trying to adapt. Sometimes you plan for a player to feature one week, but then you need him because of another injury.”

Red card concerns, no punishments

Chelsea have also struggled with discipline, accumulating four red cards in their last six matches.

“Certainly, it’s something we can improve. Some of the red cards could have been avoided, but the other side is that the players want to stay aggressive and fight for the team,” Maresca said.

“Personally, I don’t punish players. I have four kids, and when they make mistakes, I try to teach them the right way rather than punish them. I approach players the same way.”

Despite a rocky start—including a three-match Premier League winless streak and a loss to Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League fixture—Chelsea have bounced back with a hard-fought win over Benfica and back-to-back Premier League victories.

“We weren’t happy with the Bayern result, but the performance was positive. We knew it would be a tough game,” Maresca said. “Against Benfica, we aimed to prepare in the best way possible, but every game teaches you something. Tomorrow will be the same.

“It will be a challenging match. Ajax are a club with a rich history in this competition, and they’ll want to prove they can beat us. We’ll try to do the same.”

Chelsea sit 18th in their Champions League group with three points from two games, while Ajax are second-bottom, still searching for their first point.