The Blues return to action away to Burnley, beginning the weekend’s Premier League docket in third position in the table. We also have big Champions League games against Barcelona and Atalanta to look forward to before Christmas, as well as a League Cup quarter-final at Cardiff.

Reaching this stage of the campaign in such a healthy position has been an impressive feat, not least because of the injuries we have had to deal with. Maresca made that point today when asked what has most pleased him this term.

‘Dealing with different problems has been important,’ said the head coach.

‘Everyone is talking about Cole [Palmer], which is normal, but also we had Liam Delap out for two months, small problems with Moi [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernandez], Pedro [Neto], and our best defender in build-up, Levi Colwill, has been out since day one.

‘So it’s not just Cole - and the way the team has dealt with those problems is very good.’

The unavailability of others has meant Malo Gusto has been deployed in several roles already this season, including a midfield one such as in the win against Liverpool.

Maresca has noted the Frenchman’s good performances and underlined just what a crucial part he has to play in his Chelsea side.

‘Malo is in consistent form. We have said many times Malo is a main player in the way we want to play. He can play in different positions. We like players who we can be dynamic with. Malo is one of them.

‘We are very happy with Malo. I can say that since I joined the club, I have considered Malo a main player for us.’