Maresca opens door for Madueke return

Madueke was a surprise absentee from the squad for Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Fulham

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday December 15, 2024.

Enzo Maresca has insisted that Noni Madueke is in contention to face Ipswich despite dropping the England winger for Chelsea’s Boxing Day derby against Fulham.

Madueke was a surprise absentee from the squad for Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by their west London neighbours but it was not the first time Maresca has dropped the 22-year-old. He was also left out against Aston Villa at the start of the month after failing to impress the Italian in training.