'Where is Jadon Sancho?!' - Chelsea fans left bemused by winger's omission from squad for Newcastle Carabao Cup clash as ex-Man Utd man is overlooked for third game running

Sancho appeared to be gaining momentum at Chelsea, starting four consecutive Premier League games, but his early form fizzled out, and he now finds himself excluded from action again. He remained an unused substitute in the two previous matches against Panathinaikos and Newcastle, but on Wednesday against the Magpies, he was not in their matchday squad at all.

Sancho's continued absence raised concerns among supporters who hoped the winger would play a key role in the club's campaign.

@CFCMods asked on X: "Where’s Sancho???"

@willreyner wrote: "No Sancho in the squad. Weird."

Whereas, @TOSOTC_CFC enquired: "Sancho injured or something?"

@LokyMann also echoed his thoughts and asked: "What happened to Sancho?"

According to Football London, Sancho’s absence from the Carabao Cup squad against Newcastle was due to illness rather than a tactical decision. This update provided some relief to fans worried about his status at Chelsea.

@TheBlueAmerica wrote: "Unlucky, would’ve loved to have him today."

Whereas, @oscar_chijioke0 wished him a "speedy recovery".

Addressing Sancho's recent absences against Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League and Newcastle in the Premier League, Maresca clarified that those choices were strictly tactical. “Jadon has done well since he arrived with us,” he told reporters on Tuesday. "For sure, players can’t maintain the same level the whole season because the amount of games is huge. So, in the last two games, he didn’t play, not for any different reason, just for a technical decision, a tactical decision. No more than that.”

Following the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle, Chelsea are set to face Sancho’s parent club, Manchester United, at Old Trafford. Due to the terms of his loan, he will be ineligible to play in this fixture, which could provide further opportunity for the winger to rest and recover.