Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirms why Noni Madueke missed out on match day squad to face Morecambe in FA Cup third round fixture
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca provided insight on Noni Madueke's absence in their clash against Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup. The match ended in a 5-0 win for the Blues on January 11, at Stamford Bridge.
Tosin Adarabioyo opened their scoring for Chelsea with a right-footed shot from an assist by Reece James in the 39th minute. Christopher Nkunku doubled the score with a left-footed shot in the 50th minute. The 27-year-old English centre-back struck again, netting the third for the hosts in the 70th minute.
The Blues' fourth goal came with João Félix's right-footed shot through an assist by Tyrique George following a fast break in the 75th minute. The Portuguese star found the back of the net again just two minutes later after being set up by Marc Cucurella.
Noni Madueke has started in 16 out of the 22 appearances he has made for Chelsea this season, registering six goals and four assists. While questions surfaced on the 22-year-old's absence from the Blues' FA Cup clash, journalist Simon Johnson reported that Enzo Maresca has provided an explanation.
The Italian manager stated that the Englishman was unable to finish the previous day's training session due to health concerns and hence, could not make it in the squad against Morecambe. While speaking following Chelsea's 5-0 victory in the third round of the FA Cup, Maresca explained (via BBC Sport):
"It was just because yesterday he didn't finish the session. He was unwell."
Noni Madueke arrived at Stamford Bridge from his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven on a seven-and-a-half-year contract in 2023. Overall, he has recorded 15 goals and seven assists in 68 appearances across competitions for the Blues.
Chelsea boss on his squad's 5-0 win against Morecambe in FA Cup third round fixture
Enzo Maresca shared his thoughts on Chelsea's 5-0 win against Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup. The Italian manager praised his squad's performance in the clash and said (via BBC Sport):
"Very professional and very serious. I am very happy for the performance and for the final result. Today all the teams are well-organised and can prepare the game in the way they want. When we scored the game changed and second half we were better."
Enzo Maresca's squad maintained a ball possession of 81% against the EFL League Two club while having eight shots on target and creating four big chances.
