Maresca on Acheampong, time zones and temperatures

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game in Kazakhstan against Astana (kick-off 15:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He confirmed "17 young players" will travel to Kazakhstan and the rest will remain training at Cobham ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford.

• Defender Josh Acheampong "is in the squad and is probably going to play from the start," with Maresca adding an agreement on his future is "close" to being finalised.

• On the trip to Central Asia: "Eight hours [flight] is not a normal time for a game, but we have to play and we will try to do our best." He also confirmed that they will stick to English time to help them manage the time difference.

• He said the biggest concern is the flight back as they land at 06:00 GMT on Friday and have a quick turnaround before Sunday's game.

• He had a special message for the travelling Chelsea supporters: "We always appreciate fans and the people that come with us, but now even more so because of the amount of hours and the temperature it will be."

• Maresca joked and said he "will be taking many layers" as temperatures could be as cold as -11 degrees Celsius.

• After Pedro Neto's yellow card against Tottenham meant he will be suspended for the game with Brentford, Maresca confirmed Noni Madueke will not travel to Kazakhstan. The England winger will likely replace Neto against the Bees.

• On Neto's yellow card: "The yellow was a normal yellow card. The problem is when we receive pointless ones, but it was the right moment for the foul."

• Maresca said Cole Palmer "absolutely" has the potential to be world class, but "can still do many things better and improve."

• On whether he considers Chelsea favourites to win the Conference League: "No. The main target is to go to the group stage and then on and on. I don't like to think about anything more. It is not about ambitions. I am ambitious - the players and the club all are - but in my opinion, if you think too far ahead, you can lose your focus on the now."

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