But a lot of this success is simply down to the exceptionally fit and available squad Enzo Maresca has had available to choose from, especially compared with the chaos of this time last year. The head coach has been able to switch between a pristine and rested first XI in the league;

Chelsea fielded an entirely changed XI in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest from the one that beat Gent in the Conference League last Thursday.

Christopher Nkunku has more goals for Chelsea than starts. He has seven goals already this season but has only started five games for the club. Ahead of his first game for France in over a year, the forward has been speaking about his role at club level and his best position.