Enzo Maresca explains why Noni Madueke wasn’t in the Chelsea squad to face Morecambe in the FA Cup

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Chelsea’s name will be in the draw for the FA Cup fourth round after Saturday’s convincing win over Morecambe.

Like expected, Chelsea came through fairly unscathed from their FA Cup tie at home to League Two opposition Morecambe. The Blues goalscorers came in the shape of Tosin Adarabioyo (two), Joao Felix (two) and Christopher Nkunku.

Enzo Maresca’s side were on a run of four games without a win prior to the weekend, so they’ll hope that a routine cup victory lifts the mood in the camp. Next, Chelsea host Bournemouth on Tuesday night in the Premier League.

• READ MORE: What Morecambe fans were heard chanting at Axel Disasi during Chelsea defeat

Enzo Maresca explains Noni Madueke absence vs Morecambe

Chelsea manager Maresca used a fairly strong matchday squad in the Morecambe victory, but Noni Madueke was a surprise omission from the group.

It’s now been confirmed that the 22-year-old winger was unavailable for the FA Cup tie due to illness.

When asked about Madueke’s absence from the squad versus Morecambe, Maresca said via Football.London: “Yesterday he didn’t finish the session because he was unwell.”

Similarly, Chelsea youngster Samuel Rak-Sakyi missed the Morecambe contest because of an illness of his own.

In terms of Madueke’s absence, it should really frustrate the player because it may have been a great opportunity to get on the pitch and build some confidence.

The right-winger’s been in and out of the Premier League XI in recent weeks due to a drop in his form. John Obi Mikel has warned Chelsea’s Madueke to improve as he’s becoming an issue recently.

Noni Madueke must stop one thing

The next time that Madueke steps on the football pitch, he’s got to try and stop his current goal drought.

The England international started the season really brightly in front of goal, including his hat-trick away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Therefore, his tally of six goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season is steady.

However, Madueke’s last goal for the Blues was on the 4 December. It’s a run of six appearances now without a goal for the talented left-footed attacker.

The easiest route for Madueke back into the starting line-up on a consistent basis is to get back among the goals more frequently.