Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has addressed the absence of Noni Madueke from the squad during the recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham, attributing the decision to ‘technical reasons.’

Maresca emphasised that the exclusion was not unique to Madueke, highlighting similar circumstances for Renato Veiga.

“For sure, the competition has to be high but not only Noni Madueke was out, Renato Veiga was also not in the squad,” Maresca clarified when questioned by reporters.

He added, “The reason is exactly the same for both of them. There is not any different reason.”

Despite missing the Fulham clash, Maresca confirmed that Madueke remains in contention for Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Ipswich Town.