Chukwuemeka trains with Chelsea on the eve of start of 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup 

England U20 international Carney Chukwuemeka has been spotted training with Chelsea first team, a day before the start of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Chukwuemeka is among three players of Nigerian descent named in the Young Lions' final 21-man squad for the tournament in Argentina, the others being Brentford's Daniel Oyegoke and Southampton's Samuel Edozie. 

The central midfielder trained with his Chelsea teammates at Cobham on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against champions in waiting, Manchester City, which puts him in contention for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues have informed the English Football Association that Chukwuemeka will not be released until after the 2022-2023 Premier League season is finished, and it means he will not be available for England's group stage matches at the World Cup against Tunisia, Uruguay and Iraq. 

Chelsea's interim manager Lampard has delayed the midfielder's trip to Argentina because he fears Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante may be out for the rest of the season, while Mason Mount is in the treatment room.  

Lampard's decision is a big blow to Young Lions boss Ian Foster as Chukwuemeka is one of the biggest stars in the team having played an influential role to help England win last year's U19 Euro. 

Clubs are not obliged to release players for the World Cup because it is being staged outside of the FIFA window and before most European seasons have finished. 

Chuwkuemeka has not played a single game since Lampard's second coming as Chelsea coach.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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