Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained the absence of Noni Madueke from his squad for the game against Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Blues entered the game on a winless run that spanned four games following a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend.

After a full week’s break, Maresca called an incredibly strong team, with players like Christopher Nkunku, Reece James and Joao Felix all in the starting XI.

One player missing is Chelsea winger Madueke, who came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend.

The winger has been in and out of the team as he battles Pedro Neto for his place in Maresca’s starting lineup every week.

Now Maresca has revealed why Madueke is not in Chelsea’s squad for the game against Morecambe.

At his press conference after the 5-0 win, Maresca said: “Yesterday he didn’t finish the training session because he wasn’t feeling well.”

This is because Samuel Rak-Sakyi was also not in the squad due to food poisoning.

During his absence, Tyrique George and Pedro Neto started in place of Madueke and Maresca admitted he was impressed with George on the left.

“Tyrique is fine with us,” he began. “He has already played games in the Conference League. He is the same age as Josh Acheampong, hopefully we can continue to give him opportunities.”

The youngster looked good and will be hoping to get more playing time until the end of the season with Mykhailo Mudryk suspended.

Chelsea next host Bournemouth in the Premier League, where the Blues will look to end their four-game winless run in the league.