Sancho's Struggles at Chelsea: Maresca Focused on Final Stretch Amid Transfer Speculation

Maresca Deflects Sancho Future Talks Amid Poor Form

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has sidestepped questions about Jadon Sancho's long-term future at Stamford Bridge, insisting now is "not the moment" for such discussions. The £25m loanee from Manchester United has managed just 2 goals in 29 appearances, currently enduring an 18-game drought across all competitions.

Performance Analysis:

• Crossing Woes: Sancho hasn't connected with a Chelsea teammate on any of his last 19 Premier League crosses
• Buyout Clause: £5m penalty fee applies if Chelsea decline their £25m purchase obligation
• Manager's Verdict: "In terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt" - Maresca

Squad Updates Ahead of Tottenham Derby

Chelsea receives triple injury boost:

• Cole Palmer returns to full fitness
• Nicolas Jackson available for selection
• Noni Madueke back in contention

"When they are not there for different reasons then we struggle," Maresca noted, referencing Chelsea's mid-season injury crisis that derailed their campaign. However, midfielder Romeo Lavia faces late fitness test with a "small problem."

Discipline Matters

The Italian manager addressed recent reports about canceling days off after first-teamers lost 3-0 to the U21s:

• Called the incident "nothing" serious
• Admitted players fell short of "high standards"
• Stressed it's "normal for players to be relaxed" during international breaks

With nine games remaining, Maresca remains laser-focused: "I'm completely focused about that. Then what happens in summer, we'll see."