The real reason Lampard did not select Chukwuemeka in Chelsea's matchday squad v Brentford 

Chelsea insider Simon Phillips has revealed exactly why caretaker boss Frank Lampard did not select Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the matchday squad against Brentford on Wednesday. 

The England U20 international has not played a single game for Chelsea since Lampard's return to the club. 

Prior to the visit of the Bees, Chukwuemeka sat out Premier League matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton, plus the first leg of the Champions League clash against Real Madrid because he was recovering from a training ground injury. 

The 19-year-old was a reserve option for the Blues' second leg tie with Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge but remained rooted to the bench for the entirety of the game.

Phillips confirmed that Chukwuemeka was out in the cold against Brentford because of illness. 

"I’m told Carney Chukwuemeka had ‘flu like symptoms’ last night so wasn’t risked, or at least that is what is coming out of Chelsea’s side – Lampard’s staff," Phillips said on his substack, via the Chelsea Chronicle. 

Signed from Aston Villa last summer, the Austrian-born Chukwuemeka has recorded twelve appearances in all competitions since his transfer but only one from the off. 

His last Premier League appearance was against Everton on March 18, playing the last four minutes of a 2-2 draw. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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