The international break followed by a weekend dedicated to FA Cup action means it will have been over two-and-a-half weeks since Maresca’s Blues took to the field. Once again, it is north London opponents standing between us and three vital Premier League points.

Maresca is under no illusions as to how significant a game it is. That is not simply because of the history of the fixture but when it arrives in the season, and what ramifications it could have for the closing weeks of the campaign.

‘It’s a huge game, it’s big,’ Maresca stated.

‘We know how important it is for the fans and the club, but it’s also important for us to finish where we are now [in the Champions League qualification places]. It would be a huge achievement in this moment for us.

‘From a win you can build momentum until the end of the season, but from now on every game is important and they all mean three points. So we have to win as many as we can and then we will see where we can finish.

‘If you are able to finish top four, top five, first of all it is fantastic for the fans, and for the club, because we can bring this club where it has always been,’ added our head coach.

‘But for the players it's also important because they can realise the work that they have done and have something for the future.’

Focusing on tomorrow’s game, Maresca acknowledged Tottenham have also suffered with injuries this season, which he says might explain their position in the table. They are expected to have a nearly fully-fit squad for the trip across the capital, and Maresca is anticipating another tough encounter in SW6.

‘Spurs have many important and good players,' he continued. 'First of all it’s a derby, so it will be tough, and it’s a Premier League game and you can struggle in any Premier League game because they are all difficult.

‘Since day one, our players are giving everything. The attitude and behaviour has always been top, every game and every day. Now we have nine games to go, and hopefully we can finish where we are [in the Champions League places].’

You can read the Chelsea team news ahead of Tottenham by clicking here.