'This is the reason' - Chelsea boss explains why Chukwuemeka was not in matchday squad v Gent

Speaking to reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference before his team's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca explained why Carney Chukwuemeka was conspicuously missing from the gameday squad against Gent in a UEFA Conference League tie at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. 

Chukwuemeka was spotted training with his teammates at Chelsea Training Ground on the eve of the meeting with the Belgian Pro League club, an indication that he was in contention to be named in the matchday 23.

Enzo Maresca selected just twenty-one players for his matchday squad, leaving Chuwkuemeka out completely.

The Italian football tactician revealed that the tri-national player who was born in Austria was a late withdrawal from the matchday roster due to illness. 

"Carney was in the squad but he didn't feel well last night. During the night he was sick and this is the reason why he was not in the squad," Maresca explained.

Chukwuemeka was heavily linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Barcelona, Crystal Palace and AC Milan mentioned as possible destinations.

Chelsea rejected multiple offers for the talented midfielder because they wanted him to join a team that could guarantee him playing opportunities.

Chukwuemeka is behind Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in Maresca's pecking order of midfielders, and has not received any playing time in the Premier League since the season started. 

He has made just one appearance for the Blues from a possible ten in all competitions, logging fourteen minutes after coming off the bench in a Carabao Cup match with Barrow on September 24.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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