Maresca's announcement about winger sets stage for Felix or Nkunku start

Today at 12:57 PM

Chelsea played a fully rotated team today against Morecambe, but had the bench crammed with first team players.

We noticed that – and complained about the lack of youth presence. But we didn't pay any attention to the fact that Noni Madueke wasn't there. There isn't room for everyone on the bench, so we had just assumed the winger was lucky enough to get the day off.

But when asked about it in the press conference after the game, Enzo Maresca revealed that the winger had actually been ill:

"Yesterday he didn't finish the session because he was unwell."

Madueke's potential absence sets scene for Maresca to make dramatic change

So that explains that. But it also creates a lot of questions for Tuesday night's game against Bournemouth. If Madueke just has a minor issue and can train as normal, no problem. But if he's out for that game, it puts us in a tricky position. Pedro Neto played 45 minutes today, and he would be the natural replacement for Madueke on the right wing.

But his form hasn't been great. He was busy this afternoon, but not exceptional, and he's just not scored or created enough for a team which really needs its wide players to deliver.

Could this be the moment where we see Palmer on the right and Nkunku or Joao Felix deployed centrally, after both of them found the net today? We very much doubt it, but it must surely be as close to happening as it ever has.

We've not created enough chances in our last 4 in the league, and didn't get a win in any of them. If this isn't the moment to mix up the attack, we're not sure what will be. Palmer has showed he can do well wide right, and both Nkunku and Felix are desperate for a chance to start in the league.