Why Jadon Sancho isn’t playing for Chelsea against Manchester United following Enzo Maresca’s statement

Jadon Sancho is ineligible to play in Chelsea’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Blues welcome United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon, knowing a win in West London could move them into the Premier League’s top three and bring them within five points of Liverpool following Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Enzo Maresca has had an impressive start at Stamford Bridge since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino this summer, with his team winning five of their first nine league matches.

However, the Italian manager will have fewer attacking options on Sunday, as Sancho cannot feature against United due to technically being on loan from Old Trafford.

Chelsea brought the 23-year-old in on a season-long loan with an obligation to purchase next summer, three years after United acquired him in a £71 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

Sancho has made a strong start with the Blues, delivering three assists in his first five Premier League appearances for Maresca’s team this season.