Here is everything you need to know why England could be without Noni Madueke longer than expected.
England and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is expected to be out of action until after the international break in late March, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed.
The 22-year-old Madueke, who has scored seven goals in 23 league appearances this season, sustained a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brighton a week ago. “Noni probably will be out until the international break,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Friday at a press conference.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Madurke’s unexpected extended absence puts his chances of impressing Thomas Tuchel into jeopardy. The new Three Lions boss who was appointed in December 2024 to succeed Gareth Southgate.
The March international fixtures mark the start of Tuchel’s tenure in England colours and every player is expected to start on a clean slate but what could jeopardize Noni Madueke’s chances?.
1. Troubled Hamstring
Noni Madueke of Chelsea | IMAGO
Hamstrings are common injuries for athletes in general. The hamstrings occur in different categories depending on the severity of the damage. They are the most difficult injury to deal with, and extra caution is need to deal with the situation because rushing a player back into action before fully recovering could result into aggravating the situation.
Madueke arrived with an “injury prone” tag from PSV two years ago, but he’s been fairly durable since, not missing any significant chunks of time in Chelsea Blue. Hopefully he can recover fully from this issue and not have it linger or recur as hamstring injuries are wont to do.
2. Enough time to test and recover
)
Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke pictured on September 1, 2024 (Credit: Imago)
Both Chelsea and England would not want to risk throwing back Madueke into the fray as soon as possible even if he proved his fitness. To extend his longevity, Madueke may be given extra time to completely heal and return to action re-energized so that he can add to his tally of seven goals in 23 matches from April.
3. Competition for England spots
)
Chelsea forward Noni Madueke | Imago
Thomas Tuchel faces selection dilemma owing to the number of wingers at his disposal. England are blessed in the department, with Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, and Jarod Bowen all vying for the starting two slots.
Madueke will hope to return in time ahead of the Blues top-four run in. Chelsea face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday at 17:30 GMT. The Blues are sixth in the top-flight table, level on 43 points with fifth-placed Bournemouth. Chelsea have won just two of their last nine League games and have not won away from home in the top flight since beating Tottenham on December 8.
Despite the poor run, Maresca has received the public backing of Chelsea director Jonathan Goldstein
