Chelsea's Nigerian starlet Tariq Uwakwe was conspicuously missing from action in his side's victory over Arsenal, and his absence could be laid down to fitness issues.

The talented midfielder who had revealed that he was nursing a minor injury last month was presumably still recuperating or lacking match fitness, and yesterday's clash was deemed just too early to throw him straight back into action.


Born in London, he is eligible to represent Nigeria and England, though the English FA are ahead in the race as he has already earned caps at U18, U19 and U20 levels in friendly matches.

Meanwhile, his compatriot Faustino Anjorin who has made his senior debut at Stamford Bridge was equally missing from action.