Why English-Born Midfielder Of Nigerian Descent Will Not Debut For Chelsea Vs Norwich

Published: January 16, 2018

England international Ross Barkley will not make his debut for Chelsea when they tackle Norwich City in the third round replay of the Emirates FA Cup on Wednesday evening.

The former Everton midfielder joined the Blues on a multi-year contract on January 5, 2018, a day before they faced the Canaries but his transfer was completed after 12 pm, effectively ruling him out of the replay.

''Not Eligible to play. Because he didn’t sign by midday on the day he signed, Barkley cannot play in the FA Cup tomorrow,'' Conte said at Tuesday's press conference.

The earliest date Barkley can pull on a Chelsea jersey for the first time in a competitive fixture is Saturday, January 20 when they travel to Brighton & Hove for a Premier League clash.

Nigerian winger Victor Moses is in line to face the Canaries at Stamford Bridge.

Norwich City earned a replay after holding their illustrious opponents to a goalless draw.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com