'It doesn't make sense' - Lampard namechecks Chkwuemeka as he questions U20 WC timing

Chelsea's caretaker boss Frank Lampard has questioned the timing of the FIFA U20 World Cup which starts in Argentina next weekend, the same time as the end-of-season run-in. 

Including loanees, seven promising Chelsea players have been called up to represent their respective nations in the World Cup, namely Cesare Casadei, Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka, Harvey Vale, Bashir Humphreys, Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Gabriel Slonina.

An eighth player in Lewis Hall had initially been included in the England U20 squad but Chelsea have decided to keep the youngster at Stamford Bridge. 

Nigeria are one of Africa's four representatives at the upcoming World Cup and are in Group D,meaning at least two Chelsea players Santos (Brazil) and Slonina (Italy) are in contention to face the Flying Eagles stars in Argentina. 

Chukwuemeka is unlikely to be in Chelsea's squad against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, considering the fact the players named on the Young Lions' 21-man roster have been told to report for international duty at St. George’s Park on Saturday. 

In addition, the central midfielder will miss Premier League matches against top six opposition Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United. 

Asked to give his thoughts on the timing of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, Lampard was quoted as saying by Football. London : "Yeah it feels a mystery to me. I will be careful with it because I didn't really think about the tournament a month or so ago, probably because I've come here and then all of a sudden the question is there of young players leaving at the most crucial part of the season.

"There you can see what it means for us with Lewis and Carney (Chukwuemeka) and there will be other clubs in the league, players who are playing regularly... it just doesn't make sense in terms of clashing with the end of our season but that is all I know about it.

"But from our point of view having the power of being able to keep our player is an important thing and maybe that probably then jeopardizes the World Cup itself and that is why they should look at it because they would want the best players there and from our point of view we need our best players in this moment."

Southampton winger Samuel Edozie and Brentford fullback Daniel Oyegoke are the other Nigeria-eligible players named to the England squad for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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