'Is he going to play that for us? ' - Maresca hints Chukwuemeka should depart Chelsea this summer

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has alluded to the potential departure of midfielder Carney Chukuemeka amid speculation linking him with Barcelona and Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old signed with Chelsea in the summer of 2022 from Aston Villa, but has struggled to make a significant impact since his transfer.

Chukuemeka has featured in 23 league matches for Chelsea since joining, contributing both a goal and an assist.

His performance has ignited concerns and speculations about his future, with reports linking him to a possible move to Barca or Crystal Palace.

Following Chelsea's 2-0 loss to Manchester City, Maresca voiced doubts about the young midfielder's future with the club.

The former Leicester City coach cited injuries as the reason Chukuemeka has not flourished at Chelsea.

"Every case is a bit different. Carney is a very good player but because of some injuries in the past, I think it's important he plays 30 or 35 games in a row.

"Is he going to play that for us? I'm not sure," Maresca explained at his post-match press conference after Chelsea's defeat on Sunday.

Chukwuemeka has been plagued by multiple injuries since joining from Aston Villa.

In his first season, he suffered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him from both league and UEFA Champions League matches.

In his second season, he continued to struggle with knock, ankle, and knee injuries.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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