Enzo Maresca makes four-word demand for Jadon Sancho as Chelsea boss opens up on 'not using him'

Jadon Sancho's struggle for starts at Chelsea has prompted Enzo Maresca to send a four-word demand that the forward prove he is "mentally and physically fit".

The winger, who moved on loan from Manchester United to the Blues last summer in a deal set to become permanent, hasn't started a match for the west London side since October 20.

Despite limited game time, Sancho made an impact with an assist in Chelsea's 2-0 Europa Conference League victory over Heidenheim on Thursday night. Maresca emphasised the importance of Sancho's condition and potential contribution to the team, stating: "I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot.

"Unfortunately, we did not use him in the last few games, but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot."

With intense competition for places due to the club's extensive recruitment over recent years, Sancho faces a challenging task to secure a starting spot. Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are currently preferred options out wide, resigning Sancho to a role as a substitute.

This season, he has made only seven appearances, which falls considerably short of his teammates' tallies. The Premier League side, juggling multiple competitions, is bracing for the intense festive period. Maresca highlighted the importance of utilising his entire squad, likely to rotate players frequently, reports the Mirror.

Praising his squad depth, Maresca added: "They did fantastic. I think all of them. Jadon Sancho did a very good game. Axel [Disasi] and Benoit [Badiashile]. Cesare [Casadei] did well. They are ready and it's important. Filip [Jorgensen] did a very good game, Christo [Nkunku] the same. We have nine or 10 games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready."

Chelsea's packed schedule sees them facing Aston Villa on Sunday, followed by trips to Southampton and Tottenham, before continuing their European journey.

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