Enzo Maresca has revealed why Jadon Sancho hasn’t featured in Chelsea’s last two games as the Blues prepare to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Sancho arrived on deadline day from Manchester United on an initial loan deal, which will become permanent for around £25m as long as Chelsea don’t finish in the bottom six this season.
The winger’s arrival added to Chelsea’s plethora of attacking options, but means competition for places is fierce, with players needing to make the most of every opportunity given to them.
Maresca reveals why Sancho hasn’t featured in the last two games
Sancho has made a good start to life at Stamford Bridge after at difficult spell at United, and Maresca described him as a special player earlier this season.
The 24-year-old put in a man of the match performance on his debut against Bournemouth and set up Christopher Nkunku for the winner.
Further assists followed in wins against West Ham and Brighton, whilst the England international also started against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Sancho didn’t have the best game at Anfield and was replaced at half time by Pedro Neto and has subsequently been an unused substitute against both Panathinaikos and Newcastle.
Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup tie at St James’ Park Maresca revealed why Sancho hadn’t featured in the last two games.
“Jadon [Sancho] is doing well since he arrived,” Maresca told his pre-match press conference.
“Players can’t maintain the same level all season because of the huge amount of games.
“Last two he didn’t play for tactical decisions. No more than that. He’s going to play many games, he has to continue to work hard.”
Sancho could be in line for a start at St James’ Park as Chelsea look to take another step closer to Wembley as they search for the first trophy of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.
