Chelsea issue triple injury update ahead of Man United clash as Enzo Maresca confirms one absence

Chelsea are expecting to welcome three players back to Enzo Maresca's squad when they face Manchester United, though Jadon Sancho has been definitively ruled out of making an Old Trafford return.

Confidence will be high for the hosts having just secured their next permanent manager - Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP. Whilst it will not be the 39-year-old in the dugout on Sunday as Ruud van Nistelrooy continues on an interim basis, the mood is improving nonetheless.

A battle between Premier League heavyweights will be a big test for the Dutchman, but one he will feel his side can come through after securing Carabao Cup progression in midweek. Chelsea were knocked out of the competition by Newcastle, and although much closer to the top of the table than Man United at this stage find themselves in that similar position of falling from their perch in recent years.

The first port of call in Maresca's Chelsea press conference on Friday was a welcome message for Amorim. He said: "First of all, all the best to him. If the people in charge took that decision it is because they think it's the correct one. All the best to him and all the best to Manchester United."

The Blues' manager also spoke warmly about Van Nistelrooy, whom he shared a dressing room in their year at Malaga together between 2011 and 2012. "I haven't spoken with Ruud. I will give him a big hug on Sunday before the game. We expect a tough game," he added.

It was then time for Maresca to confirm the state of his squad, to which he answered: "They are all available apart from Jadon [Sancho] because he has been ill in the last days."

Regardless of the 24-year-old's health, he would not have been eligible to face his parent club whilst on loan from Man United in the