Jadon Sancho hands Chelsea an injury boost amid Cole Palmer uncertainty

Jadon Sancho has handed Chelsea an injury boost ahead of the return of Premier League football, amid ongoing uncertainty over Cole Palmer's fitness.

Sancho started his Blues spell in fine fashion, notching an assist in each of his first three appearances - wins over Bournemouth, West Ham and Brighton.

But, since being replaced at half-time against Liverpool on October 20, Sancho has not played. His absence has been explained by a mixture of illness and being ineligable to play against parent club Manchester United, who he will permanently leave at the end of the season.

Speaking to reporters before the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said of Sancho: "He is recovering from [illness].

"He had a knock in the session. He is out for [Arsenal game], and we will see if he is available after the international break."

Sancho now appears available, having been spotted in Chelsea training. It is a welcome boost for Maresca ahead of the trip to face Leicester City on Saturday lunchtime.

Maresca is currently juggling a number of injury concerns, most notably star man Palmer who withdrew from England duty during the international break.

Romeo Lavia is hoping to face the Foxes, along with Palmer, while Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman remain out.