Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has encouraged Jadon Sancho to “shoot much more” when discussing the winger’s struggles this season.

The Manchester United loanee has netted just twice in 28 outings for Chelsea this season, leading to speculation that the Blues may consider sending Sancho back to Old Trafford this summer. Recent reports suggest Chelsea would only incur a £5m penalty to avoid activating the £25m buyout option in the forward’s contract.

Maresca declined to disclose Chelsea’s plans for Sancho, yet acknowledged that “he could do better, undoubtedly”. When asked what the England international could specifically improve upon, Chelsea’s manager highlighted the winger’s attacking contributions.

“Regarding our wingers, we often arrive [in promising positions],” Maresca remarked prior to Chelsea’s upcoming London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

“Then it is up to them if they want to cross, go one v one… if they want to shoot. Probably, Jadon could shoot much more. That is something we have invited many times. Hopefully, he is going to shoot more from now on. For us, it’s important to arrive there, with Jadon, with Noni [Madueke], with Pedro [Neto], with Tyrique [George]. And from there to create chances.”

Sancho has taken 18 shots in 23 Premier League appearances this season – fewer than Joao Felix, who left the club to join AC Milan on loan during the winter transfer window. Nine Chelsea players have averaged more shots this term than Sancho (1.1 per 90), including the aforementioned trio of Noni Madueke (4.0), Pedro Neto (2.2) and Tyrique George (2.0).

Chelsea’s attempts to rediscover their attacking verve against Spurs will not rest solely on the shoulders of Sancho. Maresca will be able to welcome back Cole Palmer, Madueke and Nicolas Jackson from injury for the midweek capital derby.