Speculation over his future has followed Madueke throughout the tournament, which began four weeks ago. The England international started wins over LAFC and ES Tunis, but has come off the bench in the Blues’ three knockout games en route to the final. He has played in five of six possible games to date.
Noni Madueke has featured in five of six Club World Cup games
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
While Madueke play in the Club World Cup final?
As interest from Arsenal ramped up, Madueke’s usual starting spot on the right-hand side was taken by Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku.
While Nkunku’s struggles this season continued Stateside, Neto has stepped up three goals for his club and impressed against both Palmeiras and Fluminense without getting on the scoresheet, albeit from the left flank on occasion.
Neto is expected to keep his spot in the front three, with two-goal hero Joao Pedro the likely focal point of the attack, which leaves a space for Madueke on the opposite flank, and certainly off the bench if not from the start.
Arsenal will be keen for Madueke not to play, given the threat of injury, but the former Tottenham academy star will likely want to leave Chelsea on a high and get his hands on another piece of silverware.
Enzo Maresca will be keen to field his strongest team against the European champions, which would include Madueke. The Blues head coach has a big decision to make.
