Chelsea Manager Maresca handed One-Game ban after third yellow card

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline when the Blues face Everton at Stamford Bridge this Saturday, following a one-match suspension issued by England’s Football Association.

According to the BBC, the ban was triggered after Maresca received his third yellow card of the season during Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.

The 45-year-old Italian was cautioned for his exuberant celebration after Pedro Neto’s stunning added-time winner secured a vital victory for Chelsea, lifting them into fifth place — the final Champions League qualification spot — on goal difference ahead of Nottingham Forest.

Forest, however, could reclaim the position depending on the outcome of their match against Tottenham later on Monday.

Maresca had previously been booked during Chelsea’s fixtures against Newcastle and Bournemouth. His ban means he will sit out this weekend’s game against Everton but is expected to return for a crucial home clash against league leaders Liverpool on May 4.

In his absence, assistant manager and former goalkeeper Willy Caballero is tipped to take charge on the sidelines against Everton.

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up post on the Everton game or Chelsea’s Champions League race.