Enzo Maresca has cast doubt over whether Chelsea’s South American contingent will be available to face Brentford this weekend, with fatigue and travel from World Cup qualifiers leaving their involvement uncertain.

Chelsea’s boss confirmed that while Enzo Fernandez stayed put due to suspension, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo have all only just returned to London after long-haul flights.

“The three Brazilian players arrived yesterday,” Maresca revealed during his Friday morning press conference. “They didn’t train. They did some recovery sessions.”

Caicedo’s situation is even tighter, with his arrival coming later than the others. “Moi arrived last night, so I didn’t see him. I will see him today. For all of them, it is a question mark for tomorrow.”

The quick turnaround is especially tough given the altitude and intensity of South American qualifiers. Maresca admitted the recovery window is difficult to manage: “But when they play in Bolivia, it’s so difficult that they can be back very soon.”

The uncertainty means Chelsea may need to shuffle their options for the trip to Brentford. With four key players only just back in London, the manager faces a decision between risking fatigue or turning to fresher squad members.