Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca provides fitness update on Jadon Sancho ahead of Manchester United clash: Reports

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca disclosed that Jadon Sancho will not be available for the side’s Premier League clash this weekend. The Blues are set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 3.

The London club will look to bounce back from their 2-0 League Cup loss to Newcastle in midweek (October 30). They will play a Manchester United side who have endured a poor start to the season and recently sacked their manager.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the clash on Sunday, Maresca revealed that Sancho will not feature against his former club due to an illness. When asked about his team news for the clash, the Italian manager replied (via Football London):

"They are all available apart from Jadon [Sancho] because he has been ill in the last days."

Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea in the summer on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to make the move permanent next summer.

A fallout with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during the 2023-24 season saw him being banished from the first team. The Englishman joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January but rejoined the Red Devils in the summer.

Despite reports of a mended relationship with the Dutch manager, Sancho was left out of United's squad at the start of the season before joining the ranks at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old began his Chelsea stint on a good note. He came off the bench and provided the assist for Christopher Nkunku's goal in a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in September.

His fine display won him a place in the manager’s starting XI and he recorded an assist each in succeeding league games against West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Sancho has failed to record any goal involvement in his last two league outings and was an unused substitute against Newcastle. He was also not named in the squad for the League club clash against the Magpies.

Chelsea defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in their last league outing and are fifth in the standings with 17 points after nine games. Manchester United, meanwhile, are 14th with 11 points after a 2-1 loss to West Ham.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reacts to Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shared a few words about Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese tactician on Friday (November 1).

However, Amorim will not be in the dugout against the Blues, with interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy set to be in charge for the clash on Sunday. When questioned about his thoughts on the Red Devils latest appointment, Maresca said:

"First of all, all the best to him. If the people in charge took that decision it is because they think it's the correct one. All the best to him and all the best to Manchester United."

The Blues will hope to end their winless run at Old Trafford which dates back to the 2012-2013 season.