Chelsea have received a boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton on Wednesday evening.

The Blues have been in good form this season, finishing second in the league alongside London rivals Arsenal.

Southampton, meanwhile, have lost 10 of their 13 games in the competition and sit bottom of the Premier League ahead of their visit to Chelsea, which Enzo Maresca described as the toughest of the season.

Russell Martin is under increasing pressure on the south coast and has been criticized for sticking to a possession-based style of play despite the results he has achieved.

A heavy defeat against Maresca’s Chelsea could spell the end of his time at the helm at St Mary’s and things are not looking good for the Saints ahead of the game.

Three of their key players will be unavailable for Wednesday’s game after picking up yellow cards against Brighton at the weekend.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Tyler Dibling will all miss the game through suspension after picking up five yellow cards this season.

Dibling was previously in the Chelsea squad for a short spell before returning to Southampton. He was reportedly homesick after the move.

There’s more bad news for Martin as Downes’ most likely replacement is also unavailable – Lesley Ugochukwu.

The midfielder is on loan from Chelsea and would have provided a bit more physicality in midfield in Downes’ absence, although he hasn’t started many games this season.

With games coming up close over the festive period, Ugochukwu and Chelsea will be keen to see his playing time extended. Maresca asked if he could try calling him back

“I have no idea at the moment,” he began. “I have no idea about the loans, the transfer window. I think we have seven Premier League games between now and January. There are too many games to think about.”

A win could see Chelsea extend their lead in the top four as Maresca sets his sights on the Champions League while playing down the Blues’ chances of challenging for the title alongside Liverpool and Arsenal this season.