Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has disclosed that the decision to substitute Malo Gusto at half-time during the match against Barrow was premeditated. Gusto, who had been sidelined with a muscle injury prior to the international break, returned to action in the Carabao Cup third round clash. Despite an active first half at Stamford Bridge, Gusto was replaced during the break as part of the pre-planned strategy. Maresca explained that the tactical switch was already in place, with Chilly coming on for Gusto in the second half. The Blues have faced challenges in the right-back position, with Reece James dealing with a hamstring injury since the beginning of the season. Given Gusto's recent recovery from a similar issue, Maresca likely opted to be cautious with his playing time against the League Two leaders. Chelsea is set to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this Saturday, where Gusto may feature from the start but could be managed carefully in terms of minutes played.
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