Maresca confirms Chelsea injury blow ahead of Villa clash | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Noni Madueke will not return for Chelsea until after March’s international break.

Madueke picked up a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton in the Premier League last Friday. The 22-year-old was withdrawn after just 21 minutes at the Amex Stadium and is now facing an extended spell out.

Maresca has confirmed that Madueke will miss this weekend’s crucial clash against Aston Villa and does not expect the winger to return until early April.

“We don’t have any update on the injuries. We don’t have additional injuries. Noni [Madueke] will be out until the international break, probably,” the Italian said at his pre-match press conference.

On when Madueke could return: “Probably after the international break, we can have most of the players back, maybe all of them and for us it can be a big boost.”

Chelsea travel to Aston Villa on Saturday evening in a huge clash for both side’s top-four ambitions.

The West Londoners have endured a difficult period of late, that has seen Chelsea win just two of their last nine Premier League games. Defeat at Brighton a week ago left Maresca’s side sixth in the table, a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification. Maresca said his side must be ‘upset’ with their recent form.

“The team spirit in this moment has to be upset.

“We have to be upset because we are not happy with the results. We are all aware we are in a club where we are not here to survive, but to fight to win titles.

“They are the same players that for 19-20 games were top four, second for the most part of the season.

“After this moment, they’re going to be better players and better professionals.”

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