Guiu is set to go on loan next season. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

'First of all' – Enzo Maresca delivers Marc Guiu verdict ahead of Brighton clash

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Enzo Maresca has revealed where Marc Guiu must improve, but insisted the young striker will get opportunities this season.

Guiu was recalled from his loan spell with Sunderland after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury last month which is expected to rule him out until November.

With Nicolas Jackson joining Bayern Munich, Guiu was recalled to give Maresca some depth in the number nine position.

Enzo Maresca reveals where Marc Guiu must improve

In the absence of Liam Delap there is even more pressure on Joao Pedro to not just perform, but to also stay injury free.

Enzo Maresca has used Tyrique George as a number nine, despite the youngster not being a striker, whilst Guiu has yet to feature since he was recalled.

Guiu missed the League Cup game against Lincoln with a slight knock, and Maresca has revealed he still needs to make improvements in his game.

“First of all, it’s the balance of the game, the balance of the team that is important,” he told his pre-match press conference.

“Sometimes you can allow yourself to play with two strikers, sometimes not.

“Marc is working well and for sure he’s going to get some chances.”

His first chance could come against Brighton on Saturday, with Chelsea in desperate need of three points having taken just one from their last two games.

Emanuel Emegha could join Chelsea in January

Whilst Guiu is waiting for his first minutes since being recalled, Chelsea have pushed ahead and signed Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg on a pre agreement for 2026.

The 22-year-old scored 14 Ligue 1 goals last season as Strasburg qualified for the Conference League, and is essentially the Nicolas Jackson replacement.

Chelsea have the possibility of bringing Emegha to the club in January, which could be interesting, but if Guiu plays a single minute he won’t be able to join another club this season as you can’t play for more than two sides in the same campaign.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: