Chelsea have made a final decision on whether another two first-team players will form part of the ‘bomb squad’ following the transfer window closing.
During a busy transfer window, Chelsea successfully offloaded several players including Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, and Armando Broja, who were no longer needed and had been training separately from the first team.
However, two players expected to leave did not complete their transfers before the deadline. Carney Chukwuemeka, who has only made 27 appearances since joining Chelsea in 2022, was advised by Enzo Maresca to find a new club for regular playing time.
Maresca commented, “Carney is a very good player. Due to some past injuries, it would be best for him to play 30 or 35 consecutive games to prove his fitness and showcase his talent. I’m not sure if he will get that opportunity here.”
A potential loan move for the former Aston Villa player was considered but did not happen. According to The Athletic, both he and fellow young player Cesare Casadei will remain with the first team. Casadei, who was on loan at Leicester City last season and worked with Maresca, sustained an injury during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States. However, with Lesley Ugochukwu’s loan to Southampton, Casadei is still part of the team’s plans and was included on the bench for the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
However, his future is expected to be reconsidered during the January transfer window.
Ben Chilwell is also sidelined, with Maresca commenting that the England international “is going to struggle in his position with us.”
As one of the club’s highest-paid players, there is reportedly “genuine regret” that a solution for him could not be found.
