Italian’s impressive start has come despite seeming to have a surplus of players but the situation remains delicate

For Malo Gusto, it was possible to fear the worst as he waited for Enzo Maresca to name his Chelsea team for Sunday’s Stamford Bridge derby against Arsenal. Gusto had been substituted at half-time in the previous weekend’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United, Marc Cucurella coming on at left-back, Reece James swapping over to his favoured position of right-back.

Gusto had been squeezed out. Cucurella is in form and James, well, he is the club captain, the homegrown favourite; available again, at long last, after his hamstring problems. It would be him and Cucurella against Arsenal, right?