Noni Madueke looks set to return to the Chelsea squad after the England international was dropped from the matchday squad on Boxing Day.

The Blues face Ipswich tonight at Portman Road (December 30th 7:45pm). A victory will take Enzo Maresca's side back to second in the Premier League as the Italian continues to impress in his maiden season in the top flight - although he still doesn't regard his squad as title contenders.

Madueke had scored a hat-trick earlier in the season when Chelsea thrashed Wolves 6-2. He has scored two further goals bringing his tally to five so far this season. Despite his previous positive performances, the England international was not included in Maresca's 20-man squad that lost to Fulham on Boxing Day.

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"It's just a technical decision," Maresca said regarding the dropping of Madueke. "Sometimes we take some decision and it's no more than that."

The 22-year-old winger will be hopeful that he will be included in the squad for tonights game as Maresca seemed more positive about his inclusion.

When asked if Madueke will be considered for the Ipswich clash, the Italian manager said: "Yeah for sure. For sure.

"For sure the competition has to be higher but not only Madueke was out, but also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them.

"There is not any different reason, it's just a technical decision."

In Madueke's last six games in all competitions, he has picked up four assists and one goal. The Chelsea forward's situation will also be helped by the lacklustre performance from Pedro Neto against Fulham; Maresca knowingly has little patience for poor showings.