Chelsea dealt blow as star man set to miss Conference League clash through injury
Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow as forward Jadon Sancho has been ruled out of their upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League clash. The Blues are preparing to face Armenian side FC Noah in their third group game on Thursday, November 7, with the aim of extending their perfect record in the competition.
Chelsea signed Sancho on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for a reported £25 million, and the 24-year-old had an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge. The former Manchester United man has, however, been missing from the side in recent weeks, last appearing against Liverpool on October 20.
Enzo Maresca held his traditional pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's clash at Stamford Bridge, where he provided an update on the fitness of the forward.
The head coach revealed that Sancho is struggling with an injury which will see him miss the game against FC Noah, but he may return for the weekend. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"For sure Jadon Sancho will be out again tomorrow. We will see if he can be available for Sunday against Arsenal. If not, after the international break."
Jadon Sancho did not take part in Chelsea's game against FC Panathinaikos last time out in the Conference League, with the coach citing tactics as the reason behind his absence. He also missed games against Newcastle United in the league and Carabao Cup and was ineligible to play against parent club Manchester United last weekend.
Sancho has registered three assists in five appearances for the Blues, all of which have come in the Premier League. The forward has yet to make an appearance in any of the Blues' games in the Conference League despite being part of their squad for the competition.
Chelsea coach provides update on Cole Palmer injury
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has provided an update on the fitness of star forward Cole Palmer after his injury scare in the Manchester United game. The 22-year-old suffered a poor tackle from Lisandro Martinez in the closing stages of the game at Old Trafford, causing him to limp out of the stadium after the game.
Maresca expressed his displeasure at the tackle immediately after the game on Sunday, pointing out that the Manchester United man should have been sent off. He spoke with the press ahead of his side's Conference League game, revealing that Palmer is doubtful for their Arsenal game on Sunday.
Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal, we will assess him."
Cole Palmer was left out of the Chelsea squad for the group phase of the Conference League this season and this will give him enough time to recover.
The England international will be battling to return to fitness for the weekend, having seen his side suffer a 5-0 thrashing in his absence against the Gunners last season.