Noni Madueke says “everything will be fine” when Enzo Fernandez returns to the Chelsea squad despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings over racism allegations.
Midfielder Fernandez is expected to join up with the squad on Monday, July 29, and it comes after the 23-year-old was accused of involvement in “blatant racism” by Blues team-mate Wesley Fofana.
The French Football Federation has said it was shocked to see footage of what it described as a “racist and discriminatory” song being sung by players after Argentina’s Copa America victory.
The song contains lyrics that question the legacy of France’s black and mixed-race players.
Fernandez has since apologised directly to his Chelsea team-mates, including six Frenchmen of African descent, and also publicly, while the club has begun internal disciplinary proceedings.
FIFA, world football’s governing body, has also opened an investigation.
Madueke, who started the 2-2 draw against Wrexham in the first pre-season friendly of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s reign, said he and his team-mates would resolve the situation internally.
“It’s something that happens between us players,” said Madueke, 22. “Enzo will come back and join his team and everything will be fine.”
The comments follow Maresca’s earlier statement during Chelsea’s pre-season tour that the situation was “already clear and clarified” and there would be “no problems at all”.
Captain Reece James has indicated he is prepared to act as a mediator if necessary as Chelsea continue their run of games in the United States, with games against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid to come.
Madueke, who usually plays on the right wing, explained that he and his Chelsea team-mates were focused on adapting to Maresca’s style of football, a change from when former manager Mauricio Pochettino was in charge.
“You have to stay high and wide and be very patient sometimes [as a winger],” he said.
“Most of the time you might not get touches in the low areas of the pitch, but it’s about staying high and waiting for that assist when you can go and do some real damage.
“It’s about being patient and waiting for the opportunity to run and do my thing.”