Explained: Why Jadon Sancho may not play for Chelsea again until AFTER international break

Sancho's last appearance for Chelsea came in his team's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League. The forward was an unused substitute against Panathinaikos and was then ruled out of the Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle United due to illness. Sancho also missed the draw against Manchester United last time out as he was ineligible to face his parent club.

Chelsea may have to cope without Sancho again on Thursday when they return to action against FC Noah in the UEFA Conference League. Manager Enzo Maresca offered an update ahead of the game and confirmed Sancho will not play in that match and is also a doubt for Sunday's huge Premier League game against Arsenal due to a combination of injury and illness.

He told reporters: "Jadon is recovering from illness but he also had a knock in a session. Tomorrow he is out but we will see if he can be available for Sunday’s game, otherwise it will be after the international break for him."

Sancho has made just five appearances for Chelsea since joining the Blues on loan from Manchester United in August. His next appearance may not be until November 23 when Chelsea take on Maresca's former team Leicester in their first game back after the international break.