Enzo Maresca offers blunt explanation for Noni Madueke absence in Chelsea’s loss to Fulham

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed Noni Madueke's absence from the squad for Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham was simply a "technical decision".

Madueke has been an integral part of Maresca's squad so far this season and so his omission was notable, with many questioning whether the winger had picked up an injury in training or whether there had been a disciplinary issue.

Earlier this month, Maresca publicly called out Madueke for issues with his work ethic which were punished with a short spell on the bench, and things went one step further this time around when the winger failed to even make a list of substitutes which featured third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli for just the third time this season.

"The competition has to be higher, but not only for Noni Madueke. Also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them. There is not any different reason, it's just a technical decision."

Madueke claimed to be appreciative of Maresca's methods after the first public warning and the Chelsea boss insisted he expects a similar reaction this time around.

"Very good, fantastic and he responded very good at that time so there is no more than that," Maresca said. "I expect the same this time, yeah, absolutely."

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