Jadon Sancho could be in line to make his Chelsea but against Bournemouth this weekend.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger completed his loan move from Manchester United late on transfer deadline day.
While he has only been in west London for a little over a week, Sancho arrived with a full pre-season campaign under his belt, part of the United squad that headed out to USA in July.
While he did not manage any Premier League minutes before making his return to the capital, he featured prominently in United’s games against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool State-side.
Sancho will also have had the opportunity to impress his new head coach this week while teammates have been away on international duty.
Noni Madueke’s impressive start to the season is likely to see him continue on the right with Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk among those vying for that role on the left with Christoper Nkunku also in the mix.
While Maresca has options galore in attack, he could have a problem at right-back. Malo Gusto limped off in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace prior to the international break and subsequently withdrew from France Under-21 duty.
Reece James meanwhile has now served the suspension carried over from last season that saw him miss the opening three games but has also been nursing a hamstring problem during that period.
Reports have suggested Moises Caicedo could be utilised at right-back in their absence, a role he occasionally took up in his Brighton days, having also played there in the final pre-season game against Inter Milan.
Axel Disasi is another option, having regularly filled in on the right last season.
Cole Palmer withdrew from international duty ahead of England’s games against Republic of Ireland and Ireland in what was thought to be a purely precautionary measure.
The 22-year-old was also left out of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad in order to manage his workload but there is no suggestion he is a doubt for Saturday evening’s clash at Bournemouth.
Romeo Lavia meanwhile missed the games against Wolves and Crystal Palace but could be in contention to return this weekend.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Bournemouth
Sanchez, Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Where to watch Bournemouth vs Chelsea? Kick-off time and TV channel
Bournemouth vs Chelsea kicks off at 8pm on Saturday 14 September.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
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