Injuries severely affected Nkunku’s debut season in England, but after a positive pre-season in the United States, he has started his second campaign as a Blue in style.

He netted a late winner away at Bournemouth, has scored in each of our three Conference League fixtures so far, and bagged his first Chelsea hat-trick in our League Cup third win over Barrow.

Former Blues midfielder and France head coach Didier Deschamps has been a long-time admirer of Nkunku’s. He is pleased to be able to select him once again and Maresca is thrilled to see another member of his squad recognised on the international stage.

‘We are all happy,’ said Maresca. ‘He deserves it. He is doing well with us. It’s a big day for him.

‘The start to his Chelsea career was not exactly how he would have wanted with the injuries. It’s the same for Wes Fofana, who missed the whole season last year but this year he goes to the national team.

'I’m very happy for both of them. We don’t have doubts about them in terms of as a player and the way they are playing.

‘During the last one [international break] we had Noni Madueke and Renato Veiga also with the national teams,’ added Maresca, referring to their maiden senior call-ups. ‘It’s good for the squad to have more players there.’