The reason Super Eagles-eligible winger missed Chelsea's goalless draw against Bournemouth 

Speaking at the post-match press conference after his side were held to a goalless draw by Bournemouth, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explained why England U21 international winger of Nigerian descent, Noni Madueke was omitted from the gameday squad. 

The international break has compounded Chelsea's injury problems, with the Argentine football tactician revealing that Madueke and Moises Caicedo picked up injuries whilst on England U21 and Ecuador duty respectively. 

Madueke started and was in action for 77 minutes as the Young Lions defeated Luxembourg 2-0 in European U21 Championship qualifying on September 11.

Chelsea are waiting for as many as twelve players to return from injury problems, namely Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Marcus Bettinelli, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Christoper Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Marc Cucurella and Moisés Caicedo. 

Pochettino was forced to name French-Nigerian midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu in his starting lineup against the Cherries due to the unavailability of Lavia and Caicedo.

In quotes relayed by Chelsea's official website, Pochettino stated: "Noni Madueke came back from his national team with a muscle problem. Moises Caicedo came back with a knock to his knee.

"We need to assess them tomorrow, but that is why they were not available, along with another 10 or 11 players who were missing."

Injuries have limited Madueke's appearances with the winger logging 124 minutes from a possible 540 in all competitions in the new season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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