Super Eagles-eligible central midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has been rated as doubtful to make his long-awaited debut for Chelsea's first team when they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. 

The newly-capped England U20 international enhanced his reputation this week by winning the Player of the Tournament award at the Costa Càlida Supercup which took place in Spain from 19 to 27 September 2022.

Chukwuemeka was involved in all the three matches contested by the Young Lions, playing for ninety minutes each against Chile and Morocco, and came off the bench for the last thirty minutes against Australia. 

His chances of making the matchday squad against the Eagles have diminished after coming back from international duty with an illness. 

Speaking to reporters at Friday's press conference, Potter said : "We’ve got a bit of illness with Marc Cucurella and Carney."

Chukwuemeka has been named in four matchday squads in all competitions since landing at Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa last month, against Dinamo Zagreb and Salzburg in the Champions League, Leeds United and Southampton in the Premier League. 

The 18-year-old has played twice for Chelsea's development squad in the Premier League 2 to build up his match fitness. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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