Enzo Maresca names the only Chelsea player who hasn't been able to train at Cobham ahead of Manchester United

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says only Jadon Sancho has been unable to train ahead of their game against Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend. Sancho was scheduled to start in the League Cup game against Newcastle but dropped out due to illness.

He hasn’t returned to training since and is now doubtful for the weekend game. Maresca confirmed: “Everyone is fine and has trained except Sancho, who has been ill and hasn’t trained.”

There has been considerable attention on Chelsea’s £100 million signing, Enzo Fernandez, as he has been starting from the bench with Romeo Lavia holding down his spot. Asked if there was a particular reason, the Chelsea boss emphasized it was solely his decision at the moment and had nothing to do with the player’s form or any issues around him.

He added: “Do I show frustration with Enzo? I show frustration with all of them. Don’t just look at Enzo. I still trust Enzo. There is no reason for me to lose confidence in him. The reason he isn’t playing in the Premier League is simply that I made a different decision, but I have 100% confidence in him.”

Chelsea have not won a league game at Old Trafford in more than a decade; the last time they recorded a victory was when Juan Mata scored in a 1-0 win under manager Rafael Benitez.

Asked if he felt United’s iconic stadium still carried the same aura and intimidation as in the past, the Chelsea manager answered affirmatively. He concluded: “It shows just how difficult it is—not just for us, but for everyone. For me, it’s the same as places like Anfield, or in Italy, the San Siro, or even Barcelona and Real Madrid.”

Chelsea have had a strong start to the league season. They are just one point behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with only two defeats in their first nine matches.