Caretaker boss Frank Lampard says that Noni Madueke will get more opportunities in the Chelsea starting lineup before the end of the season.
Madueke was one of eight signings made by Chelsea during a chaotic January transfer window, the winger being rewarded for the impact that he had made at PSV Eindhoven.
However, despite contributing 20 goals and 14 assists in 80 outings for the Dutch giants, Madueke has had to remain patient at Stamford Bridge.
Before Tuesday's fixture versus Arsenal, the England Under-21 international had been limited to just 225 minutes of Premier League action, making just two starts during that period.
Furthermore, Madueke was one of the new arrivals that were not included in Chelsea's Champions League squad, selected by then-head coach Graham Potter.
Nevertheless, after a bright cameo against Brentford last week, Madueke was handed a chance in the starting lineup for the game versus the title contenders at the Emirates Stadium.
While Madueke's performance was far from perfect, he was one of a few players who were prepared to take chances on the ball, while he also netted a consolation goal during the second half.
Minutes after seemingly picking up a niggle, Madueke was replaced for the remaining 11 minutes in North London, yet it appears that he has made a lasting impression on Lampard.
Rather than comment on the ineffective performance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lampard chose to single out Madueke, telling Sky Sports: "If I want to talk about an individual it's Noni.
"He scored the goal, plays how he's been training. He'll get a lot more opportunities."
As it stands, it is unclear whether the fitness issue sustained against Arsenal will prevent Madueke from playing against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea, who sit in 12th position in the Premier League standings, have a total of five games left in 2022-23, a run which includes encounters with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Lampard will not remain in charge of Chelsea past this campaign with Mauricio Pochettino expected to be confirmed as the club's next head coach in the coming days. body check tags ::
