Noni Madueke has been short of game time at Chelsea this season (Picture: Getty)
Noni Madueke will not be sent out on loan in January despite his lacklustre start to the season at Chelsea, according to reports.
Madueke signed from PSV Eindhoven last winter but has struggled to make his imprint on Mauricio Pochettino’s side since the Argentinian’s arrival over the summer.
The Englishman has started just two games in all competitions – making eight appearances in total – and has missed several games through injury.
Some had expected the 21-year-old to leave in January on loan to get more game time in the second half of the season, but such a move is unlikely to be allowed, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea already have the maximum number of players out on international loans, meaning any potential loan would have to be to a domestic club.
But Madueke is expected to remain with the first-team squad as they prioritise permanent outgoings to fund any January incomings.
One player who may potentially leave the club in the new year, however, is central midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The winger has struggled since his move from PSV Eindhoven (Picture: Getty)
The Englishman has only 18 months left on his contract, with reports suggesting the Blues will consider offers for him in January to help raise funds for a new striker.
When asked about the midfielder’s situation following their 2-0 win over Sheffield United, Pochettino said: ‘That is between the club and the player.
‘I don’t need to talk too much because it is not my decision. He is in the starting eleven in nearly all the games and is one of the captains. For me, he is the type of player that the club needs to have.’
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Following their win over Sheffield United, Chelsea host Newcastle in midweek as they look to progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Madueke, who missed Chelsea’s last three games through injury, has returned to full fitness and could be in line for a rare start.
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He’s only started two games all season.