Enzo Maresca could now send a brilliant selection message to Chelsea players and shape top four ambition

The return of Jadon Sancho to training will give manager Enzo Maresca the opportunity to affirm one of the things he's always said since taking the Chelsea job in the summer. It's been a smooth start to life as Chelsea boss, and the way he's handled everything so far deserves admiration and respect.

He's addressed every challenge affirmatively, whether it’s dealing with players he likes or getting the best out of talents like Nicolas Jackson and the irresistible Cole Palmer. Now, a new situation will develop with the return of Sancho to training.

The on-loan Manchester United player began his Chelsea career in splendid form, recording a grand assist in his first three games, before a challenging match at Anfield, where he was replaced at halftime. Since then, Pedro Neto has been favoured, largely because Sancho was first sidelined by illness and then picked up a knock in training, which led to his absence from subsequent matches. His return, however, will reveal how highly the Italian manager rates him.

Maresca has consistently emphasized that players will earn their place based on merit, not reputation. Even when some suggested he had an "A team" and a "B team," he was quick to clarify that he doesn't see it that way.

He told reporters recently:“I like to say that we don’t have an A or B team. We have players who are fantastic, but for me, no one is indispensable. If Cole isn’t playing, it’s Joao. If not Nico, then it’s Christo. The reason why we change players is because all of them are good.”

“For sure, some players are better than others, but that doesn’t mean they will always play.”

Given Pedro's form in Sancho's absence, keeping him in the team could send a powerful message that hard work is rewarded, reinforcing Maresca’s point that no player is indispensable.

Chelsea are huge favorites to win at the King Power, but the Premier League always has a way of surprising everyone.