Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed Noni Madueke's absence from the squad for Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham was simply a "technical decision". Madueke has been an integral part of Maresca's squad so far this season and so his omission was notable,

Noni Madueke was unceremoniously dropped from the matchday squad on Boxing Day as we took on Fulham at Stamford Bridge, with head coach Enzo Maresca calling it a “technical decision” after our frustrating defeat against the friendly neighbors.

Enzo Maresca is expecting a positive response from Noni Madueke after he was axed from Chelsea ’s Boxing Day squad - and revealed Renato Veiga was also dropped for “technical” reasons.