Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has declined to comment on the future of Jadon Sancho, emphasizing that the current focus should remain on the team’s upcoming matches rather than the winger’s potential permanent move.
Sancho, who is on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just twice in 29 appearances and enduring an 18-game goal drought. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy, but reports suggest a £5m penalty clause could come into play if the Blues choose not to exercise that option.
Asked about the possibility of signing Sancho permanently, Maresca stated, “I’m completely focused on the nine games, two months to go, I’m completely focused about that. Then what happens in summer, we’ll see.”
He added, “The Jadon situation doesn’t change. In terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt. It is not just about Jadon but we have more players in the same situation.”
Maresca also touched upon a recent incident in which he canceled a day off for the players not selected for international duty after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea’s Under-21s. While the move sparked some controversy, Maresca downplayed the significance, saying, “It is nothing, it is normal for the players to be relaxed during the international break.”
Looking ahead to Thursday’s Premier League match against Tottenham, Maresca shared positive news regarding several players returning from injury. Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke are all fit to play, which Maresca believes will benefit the team after a difficult spell with multiple injuries.
“It is good news,” Maresca said. “When they are not there for different reasons, we struggle. That is exactly what happened when we had five or six unbelievable months and then six or seven injuries in a row and lost something. It is good to finish with all of them.”
However, midfielder Romeo Lavia remains a concern, with Maresca confirming he has a “small problem” and is doubtful for the match against Tottenham.