Alejandro Garnacho shows true Chelsea colours after honest Enzo Maresca verdict

Chelsea star Alejandro Garnacho has sent a three-word message after playing a key role in the victory over Benfica. The Argentine signed from Manchester United in the summer and made his first start at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Without a pre-season under his belt, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has had to gradually introduce him into the team. This resulted in him remaining an unused substitute during his return to United last month, having only played 92 minutes before being named in the starting XI against Benfica.

Chelsea took the lead just 18 minutes into the game, with Garnacho's sliding cutback inadvertently turned into his own net by Richard Rios. Likely still lacking match fitness, Maresca decided to substitute him just after the hour mark, but he was pleased with his performance as part of a somewhat makeshift front four.

"Yes, tonight we start with Garna, that was the first [Champions League or Premier League] game that he started," he said following the victory.

"Ty [George] was the No.9, and we know that he's not a No.9. Facu [Buonanotte] played an important role tonight. That's why for me tonight it's a nice feeling that it was important to win for different reasons. Injuries and [for] the players that they are new with us.

"Garna was very good. I think [Jamie] Gittens also, he tried in the last 20 minutes when he was on. Both are going to be better and better game after game."

Garnacho also had something to say after his first Champions League start in nearly two years. Via his Instagram story, which displayed a photo of him in action, Garnacho stated: "Champions League nights."

The 21-year-old will be keen for a second consecutive start this Saturday with Liverpool as the next visitors to west London. Injury issues likely mean Garnacho will feature - with Cole Palmer still out - but the more pressing problems for Maresca come in defence.

Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo are out while Wesley Fofana is a doubt with concussion and Trevoh Chalobah is suspended. At the start of the week, Liverpool had a clean bill of health but that is no longer the case.

Arne Slot revealed that Federico Chiesa is dealing with a 'niggle' that saw him miss the defeat to Galatasaray. In that clash, Hugo Ekitike and Alisson were forced off which has seen both become major doubts to face Chelsea.

"He [Ekitike] felt something when he had to reach for the ball. After the game, the difficult thing [is] when players feel like it is not too bad, but when you just walk around, it is something different than when you make a sprint or have to shoot on target," Slot revealed in a press conference.

"He said he couldn't continue, so we had to take him off. Let's see how he is for the weekend."

On Alisson, the Liverpool boss admitted: "When he sprinted back, he felt something. I cannot tell you [exactly] because I am not a physio, but normally when a player sprints back - feels something - goes to the floor and doesn't come back onto the pitch [it is not good].

"Normally, he will not be able to play on Saturday. That's 99.9 per cent - I've already said 100 per cent, but let's make it 99.9 [although] I think it's 100."

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