Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Noni Madueke was not injured despite not making the matchday squad for the 1-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday evening.
When asked about the 21-year-old’s absence last night, Pochettino simply said:
“It’s about choice.”
Considering Chelsea’s bench for the Carabao Cup tie consisted of youngsters such as Josh Brooking, Alex Matos and Alfie Gilchrist, it suggests that Madueke has not been impressing in training, especially if those players are being picked ahead of him.
Madueke was sidelined with an injury recently
The winger did not feature against Bournemouth right after the international break due to a muscular problem he sustained whilst with the England Under 21s.
However, Madueke also didn’t make the squad for the Aston Villa fixture last weekend, in addition to the Brighton match midweek.
Many had assumed he was still on the treatment table but in Chelsea’s latest medical report, Madueke’s name was not mentioned, indicating he is fit and training,
Pochettino has a history with Madueke
It should be pointed out that the forward left Tottenham to join PSV Eindhoven while Pochettino was still Spurs boss. There didn’t appear to be any ill-feeling between the pair, though.
Back in May, when it became known that Pochettino would be appointed as Frank Lampard’s replacement at Stamford Bridge, Madueke said:
“I think he is a good manager. He has been in big places around the world and he was a great success in the Premier League. I am looking forward to working with and learning from him.”
From the sound of things, though, it appears Madueke has his work cut out to get back into Pochettino’s good books. We shall see if he makes the squad for the Fulham game on Monday night.
