Super Eagles-eligible midfielder returns to Chelsea sooner than expected from international duty 

Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has returned to Chelsea sooner than expected from his international commitments with England's U21 national team squad. 

Chelsea informed through their official website on Monday that Chukwuemeka returned early to work on his fitness at Cobham, as he looks to play a key role in the remainder of the season for Chelsea. 

The Anglo-Austrian-Nigerian starlet was handed his first England U21 call-up for a pair of 2025 European Championship qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Manager Lee Carsley did not name Chukwuemeka in the gameday squad for the 5-1 hammering of Azerbaijan on Friday, a game that saw his Chelsea teammate Noni Madueke net his fourth goal in the qualifiers. 

Having returned to Cobham, Chukwuemeka will not be available for selection on Tuesday when England U21s take on Luxembourg at Toughsheet Community Stadium (Bolton).

The former Aston Villa wonderkid has struggled with injuries for most part of the campaign, limiting his appearances to nine in all competitions including two starts.

He scored his first senior goal against West Ham United back in August, but his joy turned to pain within seventeen minutes when he suffered an injury to his left knee.that kept him sidelined until January 2024.

Chelsea will welcome Burnley to Stamford Bridge in their first game after the international break.

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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