Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-match touchline ban by the English Football Association after accumulating three yellow cards this season, according to the BBC.
The 45-year-old Italian tactician will be absent from the Stamford Bridge dugout during Chelsea’s crucial home fixture against Everton on Saturday. The suspension stems from his most recent booking, which came after his emotional celebration following Pedro Neto’s injury-time winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
The win temporarily moved Chelsea into fifth place, the final Champions League qualification spot, edging Nottingham Forest on goal difference. However, Forest has a chance to reclaim the position if they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur later on Monday.
Maresca, who previously received bookings against Newcastle and Bournemouth, will return to the technical area for Chelsea’s high-stakes clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool on May 4.
In Maresca’s absence, assistant manager and ex-goalkeeper Willy Caballero is expected to take charge from the sidelines when the Blues face Everton, a side battling to escape relegation.
Chelsea fans will hope the suspension does not disrupt the team’s momentum, as the London club fights to secure a top-four finish and return to the UEFA Champions League next season.
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