Pochettino clears the air on why Madueke was not named in Chelsea's gameday squad v Brighton 

Speaking after Chelsea's 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove on Wednesday night, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed exactly why England U21 international of Nigerian descent, Noni Madueke was not named in the gameday squad for the Carabao Cup third round fixture at Stamford Bridge. 

Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea's first goal of the month and what proved to be the match-winning strike five minutes into the second half when he slotted into the corner after he was teed up by Cole Palmer. 

The Senegal international thought he had doubled the advantage but his effort was ruled out for offside though replays would suggest that it was an incorrect decision by the referee. 

Madueke was spotted training with his Chelsea teammates ahead of the visit of the Seagulls but was surprisingly not called up for tonight's game. 

Pochettino explained that the omission of the winger was a tactical decision and not related to injury. 

The Argentine football tactician told reporters: "Madueke injured? No, he was just not selected. It's about choice".

Meanwhile, Lesley Ugochukwu, nephew of former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, completed ninety minutes for the third time as a Chelsea player and was booked just before halftime. 

The France youth teamer was lucky not to be sent off after his challenge on Carlos Baleba while on a yellow card. 

The Blues will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with the game to be played at Stamford Bridge.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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