Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says the omission of Noni Madueke from the matchday squad on Boxing Day does not mean the England winger is out of contention for the trip to Ipswich on Monday.
The 22-year-old has come of age this season, scoring six times and providing four assists as well as making his England debut.
However, he has also been left out of the squad on more than one occasion, with his absence against Fulham on Thursday prompting more questions.
“Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that,” Maresca explained. “Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.
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.”
Earlier this season, Madueke was dropped for the trip to Aston Villa but returned to the starting XI three days later at Southampton and scored in a 5-1 win.
“Very good, fantastic and he responded very good at that time so there is no more than that,” added Maresca. “I expect the same this time, yeah, absolutely.”
Defeat by Fulham was an unexpected black mark on a positive first half of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca said the Blues’ first league loss in over two months left a “bad feeling,” and he reiterated the importance of Chelsea bouncing back with victory at Portman Road.
Full commentary of Ipswich v Chelsea from 19:45 GMT on Monday on BBC Radio 5 Live
