Super Eagles-eligible duo of Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka were not listed by Chelsea on Saturday in Frank Lampard’s first game in charge as interim manager.
The struggling Blues lost 1-0 to a spirited Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium.
Premier League icon Lampard, was appointed by owner Todd Boehly for his second stint at the club on a temporary basis as the club’s search for long term manager continues following the sacking of Graham Potter.
The pair of Madueke and Chukwuemeka have played five and 11 league games respectively for the Blues who are in danger of missing out on European football this season.
For the match itself, Chelsea began like a house on fire with incursions into the Wolves’ vital area.
At the other end, Wesley Fofana’s 22nd minute tackle in the box against Wolves’ Joao Gomes was deemed legitimate to deny the home side any hopes of a penalty being awarded to them.
Mario Lemina’s intelligent low shot 18 minutes before the half time break was deflected for a corner kick for Wolverhampton.
Daniel Podence was bundled to the floor by Reece James just inside the box with half an hour played but the referee awarded a free kick to Chelsea for an offside.
Wolves scored the only goal of the match through a fantastic strike by Mattheus Nunes, who volleyed home the ball brilliantly from a poor headed clearance by Kalidou Koulibaly in the 31st minute
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a good save, keeping out a close range strike from former Chelsea striker Diego Costa after conceding that fabulous goal a little earlier.
Both sides were guilty of wasted chances as the clock neared the hour mark
Chelsea presented with two opportunities to find an equaliser for the London side late on but on both occasions he dragged his shot wide.
Chelsea will play Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinals midweek.
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