Madueke spotted partying with influencer hours after Blues' CWC opener

Noni Madueke wasted no time in samplings the delights of Atlanta after Chelsea's Club World Cup opener against LAFC on Monday.

The Blues winger was handed a start by Enzo Maresca as the Premier League side secured a 2-0 win over their MLS opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Madueke, who played in both of England's post-season matches earlier this month, was seen revelling with fellow partygoers hours after Chelsea's opening fixture of the revamped competition.

In a social media clip that has since been deleted, the 23-year-old poses as his outfit for the night - consisting of trousers covered in the phrase 'who decides war?' and finished with a tank top, gold chain, watch and snapback - was hailed by the photographer, influencer Skye.

The pair can then be seen making the most of the night among a throng of partygoers. Blues players are understood to have been issued a rest day on Tuesday.

It comes amid a report earlier this month that the Blues are understood to be open to offers for him this summer, as they look to freshen up their attacking options.

The winger joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season but the club are willing to sacrifice him alongside Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, who is a target for Benfica.

They remain in contact with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike but his price tag of £84m is prohibitive at this stage.

Madueke was a regular started for manager Enzo Maresca last season — making 32 Premier League appearances — but he did not always stay in his manager's good books.

In August, after Madueke scored in the Conference League win over Servette, Maresca told the 23-year-old England international that he must train better.

Then, in December, Madueke’s levels again dropped in training and so Maresca retaliated by dropping him to the bench for their game against Aston Villa.

He had started their last 11 Premier League matches but was a substitute for that victory, once more told by his boss that coasting through sessions at Cobham will not be tolerated.

Later that month, the forward was dropped for the matchday completely for their Boxing Day defeat by Fulham, a game in which Maresca named two goalkeepers on his bench as if to prove a point.

The Blues face Brazilian outfit Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday.

Madueke is one of several players who have had their usual post-season schedule upended by the Club World Cup, which runs until July 13.

Ordinarily players would be enjoying their limited time away from the field after another gruelling campaign but FIFA's tournament has meant a host of stars are required to report for duty deep into June and potentially even July.

The clubs have been motivated to take the tournament seriously by the huge prize money on offer. The winner is set to receive just shy of £100m - more than winning the Champions League - for four week's work.

Maresca's men got off to a winning start on Monday, though their unfancied opponents had a few presentable chances they failed to take.  Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto shone, with goals from the Portuguese and Enzo Fernandez separating the two sides.

Chelsea have been contacted for comment.