Enzo Maresca says he could include Chelsea loanee in his squad when he returns

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The plethora of players on loan from Chelsea right now must make it a nightmare for those working at the club to keep up with.

There are some players they are likely not paying too much attention to as a result of their futures at Stamford Bridge not being bright. There is already talk of Raheem Sterling leaving Chelsea permanently for example.

However, some of the younger core have been bought by the club with an eye to the future, and them featuring regularly when they are ready.

One of the first of those bought for this reason under Todd Boehly’s ownership was Andrey Santos.

Enzo Maresca impressed by Andrey Santos

The Brazil international is currently in his second spell at Strasbourg, where he has seemed to find his goalscoring touch this season.

Santos is the highest-rated player for his age this season, with Chelsea fans certainly taking notes of his strong showings.

Enzo Maresca is seemingly more than aware of the ability he has been showing too. He stated in his pre-match press conference that there is already a chance the youngster could be included in the first team squad when he returns.

He said to Football London: “For some players, it is better they go, prove themselves and come back. If he continues in the way he is playing, he could be an option for us.”

Questions over Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea

There are certainly questions right now over what is the best midfield Chelsea can name at the moment.

Moises Caicedo has had a sensational season so far under Maresca, and in the last two Premier League games has seen Romeo Lavia join him in the middle of the park.

Darren Bent has been impressed by the new-look partnership, and this has asked questions as to whether Enzo Fernandez can find his way back into the side.

Despite costing more than £100m, at this stage it looks as if the World Cup winner is not in Chelsea’s best midfield.