Whether Jadon Sancho was supposed to start Chelsea’s defeat to Newcastle before illness

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It must be so frustrating for Chelsea attacker Jadon Sancho that he missed yesterday’s defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea suffered a 2-0 loss away to Newcastle United on Wednesday night, which meant the Magpies progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The Blues confirmed pre-match via X that Jadon Sancho, 24, was absent from the matchday squad in midweek due to illness.

Sancho’s last appearance for Chelsea was on 20 October against Liverpool, where he was taken off at half-time. Afterwards, he was an unused substitute in the matches against Panathinaikos (Conference League) and Newcastle (Premier League).

Enzo Maresca explained Sancho was overlooked recently for ‘tactical’ reasons. However, his absence last night in the domestic cup was down to illness.

READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag said about Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho before he was sacked at Man United

Whether Chelsea star Jadon Sancho was due to start in the cup vs Newcastle

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed via Substack on Thursday morning that he’s heard from sources Sancho travelled with the Chelsea squad to Newcastle for their cup tie.

Apparently, the English winger had to pull out because of illness and travelled back to London earlier in the day to avoid staff or players catching it.

It’s interesting that Phillips adds Sancho was actually due to start the match against Newcastle before his withdrawal.

He’ll now have extra time to recover because he’s ineligible against parent club Manchester United this Sunday in the Premier League.

Sancho really needed a big performance in the Carabao Cup to try help reclaim his starting position, but we fear he could slip further down the pecking order now.

Is Jadon Sancho in Chelsea’s best XI?

Despite a positive start for Sancho in Chelsea colours this season, creating three assists in his opening three appearances, things have started to quiet down recently.

The skilful left-winger appears to have lost his spot in the best starting line-up. Instead, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke look like the favoured duo in the wide areas.

Graeme Souness recently doubted Sancho’s ability, so it’s up to him to raise his game again and get back in Maresca’s good books.

His best route back into the XI may be by scoring goals because he’s still yet to get off the mark this season. Unfortunately, he’s struggled to be a regular scorer in recent seasons.

If Sancho can rediscover his shooting boots, he’ll make a much stronger case for himself to play more.