"For some players, it is better they go on loan to prove themselves" - Enzo Maresca hints Andrey Santos' Chelsea future amid fine form at Strasbourg

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Andrey Santos could have a future at the club after his fine run of form for Strasbourg in Ligue 1. The Brazilian is currently on loan at the London-based side's sister outfit and is enjoying a fine time.

Santos has played 697 minutes across eight games, scoring five times and providing one assist from midfield for Strasbourg. He's helped the side to ninth place in the Ligue 1 table, 10 points off the top of the table.

Speaking to the press ahead of Chelsea's next game against Manchester United this weekend, the Italian manager hailed the youngster's performance out on loan. He said, via Fabrizio Romano:

“If Andrey continues in the way he is playing, he could be an option for us. For some players, it is better they go on loan to prove themselves and come back to Chelsea at the right moment”.

The midfielder will be keen to maintain his fine performances when his side visits Saint Etienne on Saturday, November 2 in the league. He will hope to put himself in contention for a place in the plans of his parent club on his return.

---

"He is going to play. Cole is doing every time very good"- Chelsea manager outlines expectations for Cole Palmer ahead of Manchester United clash

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca has outlined his expectations for Cole Palmer ahead of his side's clash with Manchester United on Sunday, November 3. The English midfielder is expected to play a key part in the Londoners' attack when they face the Red Devils this weekend.

Palmer has been phenomenal for the Blues since his arrival from Manchester City last summer, bagging an impressive 32 goals and 20 assists in 56 games. Maresca believes the talismanic forward will perform yet again without pressure for the club, telling the press in the pre-match press conference via Football London:

"I hope so. He is going to play. Cole is doing every time very good. I said at the beginning of the season; if we expect 20 goals and 20 assists from him, then it is probably wrong because we don't need to put all of the pressure on his shoulders. He has to enjoy football.

The Italian concluded:

"If he enjoys, for sure he is going to score and assist his teammates. Cole is playing well, not only when he is scoring goals, but he is playing well when he doesn't score because he allows the rest to play in a great way."

Chelsea currently sit in fifth place on the Premier League table, six points off table-topping and reigning champions Manchester City. They will be keen to return to competing at this end of the table and to secure a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.