Chelsea face bittersweet nightmare scenario that could cost Man City millions despite warning

If Enzo Maresca can get his hands on some silverware, Chelsea could encounter a bittersweet nightmare scenario.

For many Premier League clubs, the season ends in May, and the players will be given a few weeks to recharge their batteries before reporting for duty again in July. But not for the West Londoners, who will be joined by Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

It has recently been revealed that the final of the competition will be played on July 13 – which is just 34 days before next season's English top-flight campaign gets underway (August 16). With players entitled to at least three weeks off, those at Chelsea and Manchester City will have very little time to unwind physically and mentally.

The two Premier League clubs will have even less time to rest if either of them qualify for the Community Shield – which is to be played on August 9. In order to do so, Chelsea and Manchester City must either win the FA Cup or crown themselves English champions.

If either Maresca or Pep Guardiola do the double then the English top-flight second-place finishers are granted qualification. So, if the Italian can get his hands on some silverware – internationally or domestically – then Chelsea will begin the following season on the back foot.

Despite desperate pleas from those putting their bodies on the line, the fixture schedule continues to grow. Rodri, who has since been ruled out for the term after suffering an ACL injury, warned governing bodies in September that his colleagues are 'close' fighting back against the 'worrying' physical demands.

"I think we are close to that," said the Manchester City midfielder when asked if players could begin to strike or refuse to play. "I think if you ask any player he will say the same. It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.

"I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."

Son Heung-min has also spoken out about the growing number of games and player welfare. Shortly after Rodri's comments, the Tottenham Hotspur captain said: "Sometimes players are the main guys to have to say something.

"There's definitely a lot of games and as a football fan who loves football you want to see quality games. Not as many as possible. You don't want to see players struggling with injuries. No one wants to see it. A lot of games, a lot of travelling. We've to look after ourselves, which sometimes it's very hard.

"Mentally, physically you're not ready then going on to the pitch and then with the risk of injury is massive. We're not robots. We have to look after that and reduce the games definitely - better quality definitely should be the aim."

Son added: "Don't get me wrong, we love playing football. That's clear. But the travelling and how much games we play. It's not just the games. It's preparing, mentally and physically. It's a lot of work. It's about adding more games. [Manchester] City played Sunday and Tuesday and it wasn't even flexible.

"It could be moved probably to play Wednesday instead of Tuesday. It's not flexible. That's what we're talking about. It's normal that everyone is at high risk of injury. It's not fair. Rodri said the right things. We play 50, 60 games and not more than 70 games. It's not fair."

Despite powerful statements from two of the Premier League biggest names, governing bodies have ignored their pleas. And, ultimately, City have already paid the price with Rodri set to miss the rest of the season.

His absence has already dented the reigning champions' title defence – which could cost the club millions in prize money. Explaining the impact of Rodri's injury, Guardiola said: "Next season he will be here. This season is over [for him]. It is what it is.

"Unfortunately, we got the worst [news] but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and [help him make a] good recovery, step by step, and move forward.

"What he gives us, we don't have a similar player but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us.

"We are stronger with him and stronger with [Nathan] Ake and [Oscar] Bobb and Kevin [De Bruyne], but that is what it is. We don't want it but it is football. As a club we have magnificent players and we will find a solution."

Chelsea could find themselves in a similar position to City in regard to their injury situation – but at the bitter-sweet cost of some silverware.

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