Noni Madueke was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Fulham (Image: Getty)
Enzo Maresca has revealed why Noni Madueke was absent from the Chelsea squad for their 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day.
The winger has been a regular starter under the Italian this season but his mysterious absence from the 20-man squad grabbed headlines at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca even named two goalkeepers on the bench along with teenage talents Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Marc Guiu.
But there was no sign of Madueke on the Blues bench, leading to speculation as to why he had been dropped from the matchday squad.
And the Chelsea tactician explained that his omission from the squad was not injury-related, suggesting there may be more to his surprise absence than meets the eye.
According to the Daily Mail, Maresca clarified that Madueke had been left out due to a “technical decision”.
Madueke has been one of the most impressive players in the Chelsea attack this season behind Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, scoring five goals and assisting another three in 16 Premier League matches.
However, it is not the first time that the 22-year-old has been dropped this season.
Enzo Maresca revealed Noni Madueke was dropped due to a ‘tactical decision’ (Image: Getty)
He was criticised by his coach for not training at the required level between matches, which saw him left out of the team that beat Aston Villa earlier this season.
Maresca also noted a ‘problem’ with the England international after their UEFA Conference League qualifier against Servette.
“I really like Noni, the only problem with him is he has to understand he needs consistency during the week in every training session,” Maresca said in August.
It is not yet clear what triggered his surprise axe from the Chelsea squad on this occasion. But Maresca has consistently taken a no-nonsense approach towards his players this season.
Noni Madueke has scored five Premier League goals this season (Image: Getty)
Popular players such as Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukuwuemeka were informed they had no future at the club just weeks after Maresca’s arrival. And the 44-year-old has stayed true to his word in keeping the duo away from the first-team squad.
Madueke is regarded as an important player by the club’s hierarchy and he may well return to the squad for the trip to face Ipswich Town, especially after the Blues’ defeat on Boxing Day.
Cole Palmer gave the west London side the lead with a superb solo goal before Fulham pulled off a stunning comeback through substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz.
The result means Chelsea stay in second place for now, although they are four points off leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League having played two games more.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1993253/Chelsea-Noni-Madueke-Enzo-Maresca-Fulham