Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has ace up sleeve after last-minute transfer U-turn

Less than 48 hours after helping Chelsea lumber to a 2-0 west London derby victory, Tyrique George looked to be heading to nearby neighbours Fulham. A £22million agreement was swiftly struck between the clubs and in a frantic deadline-day scramble, George had been on course to sign a long-term deal with the Cottagers.

But the transfer hit a desperately-late snag, the paperwork was not completed in time and despite the best efforts of all parties, George headed back to Chelsea with his tail between his legs.

Earlier in the summer, George is understood to have expressed an interest in pursuing a move away from Stamford Bridge in search of regular playing time.

Numerous European clubs were also interested including AS Roma and RB Leipzig, who held detailed discussions with the Club World Cup champions, but eventually, the young starlet ended up staying put.

Enzo Maresca has always rated George and has frequently publicly declared his appreciation for his talent but Chelsea were willing to listen to offers because of the player's openness toward a move elsewhere.

Now, just a matter of weeks later, retaining George's services comes as a welcome boost. He found the target against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup via a long-range stunner on Tuesday evening and could now well keep his place in the side for the Premier League visit of Brighton on Saturday.

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Question marks remain over the fitness of Cole Palmer, who is battling a frustrating groin issue, while Facundo Buonanotte is ineligible to face his parent club following his £2m loan switch.

Maresca said of George's performance at Sincil Bank after the forward also helped himself to an assist: “We already gave Tyrique George last year some confidence. This year, even Manchester United and Fulham in the second half, he’s playing games and helping us. We need that. Last week has been a tough week for us in terms of results. Now we go again.”

It should not be forgotten that George is arguably one of Chelsea's most-promising prospects.

Last season, he mustered seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions, including youth-team matches and his productivity, decision-making and versatility remains highly valued within the club.

There is now a sense that even if George moves onto pastures new next summer, he won't be available for a penny less than the £22m package agreed with Fulham because he is a player with big potential.

His attitude and determination to succeed means he could be a useful asset in the forthcoming weeks ahead of an unforgiving schedule.

Maresca has utilised him as a makeshift centre-forward, he can also operate on either flank or even as a No.10. Unlike Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, he already knows the fundamentals of Maresca's tactical setup following an impressive breakthrough season last term.

The new recruits including Willian Estevao will require a period of transition to acclimatise to Maresca's methods and that will surely be taken into consideration when the Italian is selecting upcoming lineups.

Say it quietly but the collapse of George's switch to Fulham may prove to be a blessing in disguise as Chelsea continue to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.