Enzo Maresca kept up his 100% away record in the Premier League as Chelsea manager with a narrow win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
It was the manager’s substitutions that made the difference in the end, with Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku combining well to find the net late on.
Maresca was dealing with a large amount of injury problems off the back of the international break, with an illness bug also keeping Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall away from action.
With Romeo Lavia still missing through injury, the boss had to get creative when it came to his midfield options, handing Renato Veiga his first start in the league.
Based on what Maresca said in his pre-match press conference, there may have been some who thought that Carney Chukwuemeka would be in line for his first minutes of the season.
Carney Chukwuemeka should be annoyed at Enzo Maresca
He said that after not being sold during the summer transfer window, they now had the opportunity to utilise his skills.
However, he found himself left out of the squad entirely again, with Cesare Casadei one of those who was on the bench instead.
While the deeper role played by Veiga would not be where the youngster would play his best football, the fact Marc Cucurella operated in a higher position suggested there was certainly a chance for him to feature.
Todd Boehly thought Chukwuemeka was ‘exciting’
Given the fact that the former Aston Villa man was not included in the squad at all, it seems his prospects at the club still do not look bright.
Todd Boehly was one person who seemed to be a big fan of Chukwuemeka’s when he joined the club, describing him as ‘exciting’ after he signed.
There are a number of sides who are reportedly keen on bringing him in if the opportunity arises.
AC Milan are interested in Chukwuemeka, with a number of former Blues already reviving their career in Serie A.
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