Noni Madueke was absent from the Chelsea squad for their Carabao Cup triumph against Brighton, and Mauricio Pochettino has provided an explanation for this decision.
Pochettino made five changes to his starting lineup compared to their previous Premier League match against Aston Villa, affording opportunities to Cole Palmer, Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Marc Cucurella.
Despite his previous goal in the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon, Madueke was not named in the matchday squad.
Although Madueke has only played 44 minutes in the Premier League this season, Pochettino has clarified that the winger is not sidelined due to injury.
Following Chelsea’s victory at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino was questioned about Madueke’s absence: “It’s about choice, it’s about choice. Election.”
Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
In the upcoming fourth round of the Carabao Cup, Pochettino’s team will play host to Blackburn Rovers.
Chelsea, who have faced difficulties at the beginning of the season, are set to face Fulham next on Monday, October 2nd.