Enzo Maresca explains 'tactical' reason behind dropping Jadon Sancho from Chelsea lineup after Man Utd loanee's dip in form

Despite a promising run where Sancho started four consecutive Premier League games and showcased his skill, he remained an unused substitute in Chelsea's last two matches against Panathinaikos and Newcastle United. He had been struggling to make an impact and Maresca stressed that his absence was solely for tactical reasons and not as a reflection of any underlying issues.

"Jadon has done well since he arrived with us," told Maresca to 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. For sure, because of the amount of games, he's going to play many games. The only thing he has to do is continue to work hard and when we give him a chance, to just take it."

Sancho was loaned to Chelsea by Manchester United on deadline day of the summer transfer window. The deal includes a purchase clause which will be triggered so long as the Blues finish higher than 14th in the Premier League table.

Currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League, Chelsea have lost only three out of 14 matches across all competitions under Maresca’s leadership. They are currently preparing to face Newcastle United in a Carabao Cup round of 16 showdown this Wednesday, following a narrow 2-1 victory over them in the league over the weekend. Following this cup fixture, they will travel to Old Trafford to take on United, with Sancho ineligible to face his parent club.