The stalemate marks the first time since their goalless draw with Crystal Palace on the opening day that Chelsea have failed to score in a league fixture, adding to increasing concerns over their attacking productivity.

Maresca's team had briefly climbed to second place following a 2-0 victory over Burnley in November, but momentum has since stalled.

A 1-1 draw with Arsenal, in which the Blues spent an hour with only ten men, was followed by a damaging 3-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road.

This difficult sequence of results has placed Chelsea's title hopes under significant strain during what has become another challenging December for the club.

Compounding the issue is the ongoing absence of striker Liam Delap, who is still not ready to return from injury.

"I think a lack of quality in the last third for me, personally, in terms of last pass, you know, some cross, some moment. We know that we are not going to score every game," said Maresca.

"Now we're going to try to score on Tuesday, but it's important at least to keep the clean sheet that gives us at least the chance to take points.

"I think it's a normal mistake that can happen, you know, like a last pass in the last third. It's just for that, I think Cole was quite good on that, you know, played half an hour the other day, played one hour today. So now it's important that he can build the physical condition.

"Unfortunately [Liam Delap] has already been out for two months and he has to be out again. We don't know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder. He has been unlucky. We are also a bit unlucky because we need that kind of a No.9."

With goals drying up and the squad stretched, reports suggest the club may look to reinforce the forward line in the January transfer window.

There is, however, some positive news, with Cole Palmer edging back towards full fitness after recent groin problems.

Sandile Khumalo returns to Black Leopards on loan