Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained why Noni Madueke did not even make the bench for the Blues' FA Cup win over Morecambe.

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• Madueke absent from Chelsea squad on Saturday
• Maresca claims illness the reason
• Winger previously punished for work ethic

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea comfortably coped without Madueke during the 5-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup on Saturday but his absence was noted by eagle-eyed viewers. The England international played just four minutes in the Blues' 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in their last Premier League outing but Maresca explained that the 22-year-old had picked up an illness preventing him from being involved against the League Two side.

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  WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Everyone was eager to find out why Madueke had been left out of the game at Stamford Bridge but the Chelsea head coach did not want to entertain too many questions about the winger and simply said: "It was just because yesterday he didn't finish the session, he was unwell."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Madueke had previously been criticised by his manager for his work ethic and attitude both in games and on the training pitch. Maresca admitted that he knows the former PSV winger can give more and that he wants to get the best out of him on the pitch. This is despite Madueke having recorded 10 goal contributions in 22 appearances across all competitions this term.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADUEKE?

  There is no word yet on Madueke's return but the Blues boss will be hoping to have everyone available for the home match against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News