Chelsea has been dealt a significant blow as Enzo Maresca has confirmed that a key player will no longer be part of the squad. Maresca stated the player will miss today’s game and future matches, explaining, “He is a good player, but with so many midfield options, he would struggle for minutes.”
Maresca elaborated, “Carney will not be part of today’s match. While he is undoubtedly a very talented player, the reality is that we have an abundance of midfielders in the squad, making it difficult for him to secure regular playing time.”
Carney Chukwuemeka, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022, has struggled to find consistent opportunities to showcase his abilities. This season, his appearances on the field have been limited, leaving him short of regular match experience.
Maresca has previously indicated that Chukwuemeka could greatly benefit from more consistent playing time elsewhere. He hinted that a loan spell might be the ideal solution for the young player’s development. Speaking in September 2024, Maresca said, “I have a lot of admiration for Carney. He’s a player I really, really like. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that we have a large number of attacking midfielders, which makes it extremely difficult for him to break into the team.”
Several clubs have expressed interest in Chukwuemeka’s services. West Ham United, for instance, has been linked with both Chukwuemeka and his Chelsea teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as they seek to strengthen their midfield options. Reports suggest that West Ham is exploring the possibility of securing loan deals for the pair to enhance their squad during what has been a demanding Premier League campaign.
In addition to interest from English clubs, there has been attention from teams across Europe. Italian club Torino reportedly pursued Chukwuemeka during the summer transfer window, although no agreement was ultimately reached. Chelsea, meanwhile, is reportedly open to offers for the midfielder, with discussions hinting at a potential transfer fee of around £40 million.
Maresca’s recent comments underline the intense competition within Chelsea’s midfield, which includes high-profile players such as Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia. This depth of talent has significantly limited Chukwuemeka’s opportunities to feature in the team, increasing the likelihood of a January move. Maresca remarked, “There are players who have had very limited playing time across all competitions. They are probably the first ones to consider leaving, as they put in so much effort every day and understandably want to play.”
As the January transfer window approaches, clubs in need of midfield reinforcements are expected to keep a close eye on Chukwuemeka’s situation. A move away from Chelsea could provide him with the consistent minutes he needs to grow as a player and fulfill the potential that initially prompted Chelsea to bring him in from Aston Villa.
