Cole Palmer absent, Chelsea signing flops - Enzo Maresca's nightmare Leicester homecoming

There would’ve been friendlier fixtures for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea to return from after the international break.

After back-to-back draws in the Premier League before the break, the Blues’ quest to return to winning ways kicks off against Maresca’s old side Leicester City.

Despite guiding the club to promotion last term, the Italian ditched Leicester in the summer to join Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.

So far things have gone well for Maresca at Stamford Bridge. The two-time European champions sit top of the pile in the Conference League and are well in the mix for a Champions League spot in the league.

But things could quickly unravel if Maresca endures a nightmare return to his old stomping ground this weekend.

And ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Leicester on Saturday afternoon, Express Sport have predicted what the worst-case scenario for Maresca and Co.

Cole Palmer injured for Leicester clash

It’s unfair to suggest Chelsea are merely the ‘Cole Palmer team’, but having contributed to over half of their goals in the league this season, his importance cannot be understated.

Yet to miss a game in the Premier League for the capital club, Chelsea took the decision to leave Palmer out of their Conference League squad in an attempt to reduce his workload.

But following a late dropout from the recent England squad, the ex-Manchester City ace has some question marks hanging over him heading into the weekend fixture.

If their talisman doesn’t pass a fitness test in time, Chelsea might already be on a hiding to nothing.

Former Leicester star flops for Chelsea

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, remember him? At times it feels like Maresca doesn’t.

One of the standout men for Maresca during last season’s promotion campaign, the midfielder followed his gaffer to the Bridge this season but has found minutes to be a precious commodity.

Across Chelsea’s 11 Premier League outings so far, Dewsbury-Hall has featured for just 43 minutes - a dismal return for the £30million signing.

If he even gets to see the pitch this weekend, the 26-year-old will be hoping to avoid any howlers against his former team.

Robert Sanchez struggles again

Speaking of players hoping to avoid a stinker, Robert Sanchez will feel as if he’s due a solid performance.

Having given away the penalty that led to Manchester United’s opener earlier this month, Sanchez was beaten by Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli at his near post in Chelsea’s next Premier League outing a week later.

With Filip Jorgensen having impressed as deputy during Chelsea’s cup fixtures this season, any more mistakes for Sanchez could force Maresca to make a change between the sticks.