It's OVER! Maresca reveals fate of Chelsea star after brutal snub

Suraj Radia

20 Apr 2025 13:15 CDT
3 min read

Enzo Maresca has dropped the biggest hint that he has run out of patience with one of Chelsea’s stars after revealing the reason behind the player’s absence during his side’s win over Fulham.

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Pedro Neto struck a late winner to give Chelsea a win over their London rivals on Sunday after being a goal behind, with the Portuguese winger finishing the game playing up front in a curious tactical tweak.

Nicolas Jackson had started the game at Craven Cottage but a below-par display saw the striker subbed off for youngster Tyrique George, who grabbed Chelsea’s equaliser.

George’s introduction left Chelsea without a recognised striker after Maresca left Christopher Nkunku out of his matchday squad and the Blues boss said after the game: “It's just a technical decision. No injury, just my decision.”

STATS

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea

46

Games
15

Goals
5

Assists

The succinct explanation suggested that Maresca was not happy with Nkunku’s performances, having scored just two goals in his last 21 appearances and missing a penalty in the game against Legia Warsaw earlier this month.

With Nkunku’s future having already been uncertain at the club, it seems a foregone conclusion that Chelsea will look to move on from the 27-year-old in the summer following two underwhelming seasons at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Chelsea’s Nkunku dream that turned into a nightmare

Chelsea felt they had a secured a major coup by agreeing Nkunku’s signing in 2022, with the Frenchman moving to the club the following summer for €60 million despite interest from a number of top sides after his impressive form for RB Leipzig.

However, Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury soon after agreeing to his transfer, which he soon reaggravated upon his arrival and leaving him unable to make his debut for the club until December 2023.

After a forgettable first campaign which resulted in 14 sporadic appearances and three goals, Nkunku had been hoping to kickstart his Chelsea career under Maresca but the Italian coach opted to field Jackson as his first-choice striker in the league.

Nkunku was left featuring mainly in cup competitions this season, prompting him to push for an exit in January, although Chelsea rebuffed interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich in order to keep their depth for the remainder of the campaign.

However, after failing to make his mark deputising for Jackson during a three-month layoff, Nkunku’s poor displays and frustrating body language has seemingly led to a premature end to his Chelsea career barring a miraculous turnaround.

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