Andrey Santos sent a clear message to Enzo Maresca at the same time his side saw their clash against Manchester City end in defeat. Noni Madueke put the Blues into an early lead at Etihad Stadium but goals from Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden resulted in Pep Guardiola's side running out winners.

Chelsea were managing proceedings rather well with the game level beyond the hour mark, following Gvardiol's equaliser, until a long ball over the top from Ederson caused chaos. As Haaland held off Levi Colwill, the City striker managed to loop an effort over the head of Robert Sanchez who was well off his line.

Foden then added a third late on to seal a domestic double for the champions over Chelsea. Despite it being Sanchez's second mistake leading to a goal in as many games, Maresca launched another staunch defence of his No.1.

READ MORE: Chelsea ace suffers brutal injury immediately after sealing January transfer

READ MORE: Chelsea star Noni Madueke fires cryptic 11-word message after Man City defeat

"Robert, for sure, he is completely aware that he has to do better," the Chelsea boss said in a press conference. "He was completely aware after the game - he knows perfectly. In this moment, it is like this. The good thing is that he is the first one, knowing and aware that he has to do better."

"We trust Robert for sure. The first one who is completely aware that he is making mistakes in this moment is Robert. For sure we continue to trust Robert. But now we have one entire week [until next game vs West Ham United], we will see the reaction and then see for the next game."

Alongside the goalkeeping decision, Maresca is facing a big dilemma in midfield with Romeo Lavia again out injured and unable to help Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The latter was a doubt to feature having missed the Wolves game earlier in the week which saw Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall named in the starting XI.

While Fernandez was able to feature, another injury in that area could see more problems arise. With that being said, Andrey Santos is currently thriving out on loan at Chelsea's sister-club Strasbourg with the Brazil international scoring again in his side's 2-1 victory against Lille which took them up to ninth in the Ligue 1 table.

Unsurprisingly delighted at scoring his eighth goal of the season and helping Strasbourg come from behind to win, Santos posted a clear message on Instagram. He wrote: "Crazy night! Goal, and another victory, happy to reach the 8 goal mark for the season. Glory for God, always [tick and football emoji.]"

Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku all liked the post with the Chelsea trio and more perhaps keen to have him back at Stamford Bridge. Focus appears elsewhere in the remaining days of the transfer window however, with a bid being tabled for Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.

Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel is another attacker of interest to Chelsea with Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund admired by many Premier League clubs, including the Blues.