Christopher Nkunku was dropped from Chelsea’s dramatic victory over Fulham on Sunday in what Enzo Maresca called a “technical decision”.
Nkunku was left out of the matchday squad without explanation, having come through 90 minutes in the Conference League against Legia Warsaw on Thursday night.
Without the Frenchman, Maresca was left without a recognised forward on the bench at Craven Cottage, though that gamble eventually brought reward as teenage winger Tyrique George instead replaced striker Nicolas Jackson and scored the equalising goal in what became a 2-1 win.
Asked whether an injury had prompted Nkunku’s absence, Maresca said: “No, it’s just a technical decision.”
Maresca has previous for similar calls, having also dropped Noni Madueke and Renato Veiga for technical reasons for the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier this term.
There is, however, a firm injury concern over Malo Gusto, who replaced Reece James at half-time but was then forced off late on.
“For sure it is not a good one, a muscle problem,” Maresca confirmed.
Pedro Neto’s stoppage-time winner eventually earned Chelsea a vital three points in the race for the Champions League places, prompting wild scenes in the away end, with the Blues winning on the road in the league for the first time since early December.
There were further celebrations between players and fans at the final whistle, but Maresca - who has faced heavy criticism from supporters over recent results - was notably quick in heading for the tunnel.
“I was very happy because it’s a nice feeling to win in the end but it was a moment for the players because they deserved to share it with the fans,” he explained. “It’s the reason why I left the pitch immediately.
“It was a nice moment for the players and fans to share that moment. The players need to feel that support.”
