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Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Noni Madueke was dropped from Chelsea\u2019s squad for their Carabao Cup win over Brighton.<\/p>\n
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Nicolas Jackson\u2019s second-half goal was enough for Chelsea to secure a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge and Pochettino\u2019s side will now play Blackburn Rovers at home in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.<\/p>\n
Pochettino made five changes from the side which were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa in the Premier League last Sunday as Cole Palmer, Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu and Marc Cucurella were given chances to impress from the start.<\/p>\n
However, there was no place in the matchday squad for Madueke, who scored in the 2-1 win against AFC Wimbledon in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.<\/p>\n
Madueke has played just 44 minutes in the Premier League this season and Pochettino has revealed that the winger is not sidelined due to injury.<\/p>\n
When asked about Madueke\u2019s absence after Chelsea\u2019s win at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino replied: \u2018It\u2019s about choice, it\u2019s about choice. Election.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Pochettino also praised the performance of Cole Palmer, who was handed his first start since joining Chelsea in a \u00a342.5 million deal earlier this month.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think like all of the team, I think the team was really good,\u2019 Pochettino said.<\/p>\n
\u2018If we assess all of the players, I think we are in a very good level.<\/p>\n
\u2018Cole is a very talented player, he was key in this victory tonight. Still young, still needs to settle in the club, not only the team, in the club and the city. I think we saw today how good he is.\u2019<\/p>\n