The Chelsea Player of the Year withdrew from the England squad before the Three Lions’ games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland to help with his recovery for ongoing issues. He has been training at Cobham this week and Maresca will be able to call on him for our trip to the Vitality Stadium.

‘He is fit, fine and we are happy with the way he is,’ said Maresca.

Another attacking player at the head coach’s disposal today is Jadon Sancho, although, unlike Palmer, for the first time as a Blue.

Maresca is excited to see what Sancho can do, and he is grateful for the options he has in wide areas, which forms such an important part of his tactical strategy.

‘He is a quality player in the last third, an accurate player, and a player who in terms of the last pass or assist is very good. When he has a chance to finish the action, shoot or assist, it is very good.

‘He is a similar kind of winger to Noni, who I’ve said since pre-season is working very well with us, creating chances, scoring, and off the ball, like against Palace, is defending. So these kind of things.

‘We are excited to give him some chances but also we have players who since the start of the season are doing well - Pedro, Misha in some moments.

‘They know that we have so many good players that you have to work hard during the week otherwise a different player will play.’