Mauricio Pochettino is expecting Noni Madueke to feature for Chelsea against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.The 21-year-old did not feature at all in pre-season for the Blues after joining up with his teammates late following England Under-21s winning the European Championship. That was more precaution than anything, though, with Madueke, who was signed from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window for around £35million, carrying a minor knock on his hamstring. Pochettino, however, has now revealed that the winger is okay and that he is expecting him to play some part in Chelsea’s trip to West Ham on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochetino said: “He’s much better. He would have been involved against Liverpool but it was too early. He was training really well during the week and he is going to be involved in the game against West Ham.”
Raheem Sterling was used on the right wing in Chelsea’s opening Premier League match against Liverpool. The England international showed glimpses against his former club but was unable to threaten as much as he would have liked.
Madueke spoke to the club’s media team back in June and the former Tottenham academy star detailed his goals for this season. The Chelsea attacker said he wants to become one of the best in his position in the Premier League, while helping the Blues improve on what was a dismal 2022/23 campaign.
Noni Madueke said: “Chelsea definitely feels like home. The boys are great and we’ve got a really good harmony in the dressing room because we believe we’ll turn it around next season. It’s been a great few months of learning for me with some successes too, on an individual note. Everyone has huge aspirations, individually and collectively, but I feel like the process we’re in right now is just about getting a little bit better every day, getting better every game, and growing closer. It’s for the future – we are trying to build the foundations now for a successful club and team. Next season for me is just about becoming one of the top players in my position in the league and contributing to wins with goals and assists and helping my teammates. That’s my aim.”
