Chelsea’s preparations for their crucial clash against Aston Villa have taken a hit, with Noni Madueke absent from training and set for an extended spell on the sidelines. The Blues are in desperate need of points to stay in the top-four race, but injuries continue to pile up for Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Noni Madueke suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton and was forced off in the first half. His absence from Tuesday’s training pictures all but confirms that he will miss the upcoming clash against Aston Villa, with head coach Enzo Maresca previously hinting that the winger could be out "for a while."
Other key players, including Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia, were also missing from training. Maresca provided an update last week, stating that while Lavia and Badiashile are progressing, Fofana will need at least two to three more weeks before returning to full fitness.
There was some positive news as Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella were spotted in training, indicating they could be edging closer to returns. Youngsters Aaron Anselmino, Mathis Amougou, and Tyrique George also trained with the first team, with George likely to be involved in the matchday squad after featuring against Brighton.
Chelsea will need to navigate these injuries carefully as they head into a must-win game against an in-form Aston Villa side.
With Madueke’s absence confirmed, Maresca will need to reshuffle his attacking options once again as Chelsea seek a crucial victory.
