You could be forgiven for forgetting that Facundo Buonanotte is a Chelsea player.
The 20-year-old was a bit of a surprise arrival at Stamford Bridge, joining from Brighton on a season-long loan.
Buonanotte has played just 381 minutes under Enzo Maresca this campaign, highlighted by a Carabao Cup goal against Lincoln City.
Chelsea insiders say Buonanotte has a part to play as we enter a hectic winter schedule, but Maresca’s latest comments on the 20-year-old paint a less promising picture.
Enzo Maresca explains why Facundo Buonanotte is being left out
After not seeing Buonanotte’s name in the squad yet again for Leeds, many were wondering what exactly he has to do to get a game.
The Chelsea manager’s response was fairly straightforward, and not at all encouraging for the Argentine.
In his pre-Bournemouth press conference, he said: “Facu [Buonanotte] is working well. He played some games at the beginning for many reasons, because Cole [Palmer] was injured, because Liam [Delap] was injured, so we had more space for him.
“But in this moment, we have all the players back. The game against Leeds, Wes was not even in the squad, Ty [George] was not even in the squad, Facu was not even in the squad. So there is not any reason why it’s just because we have already players in his position, but they are back.”
On the surface, it’s a reasonable excuse for omitting Buonanotte, but it’s also a damning indictment on his prospects at Chelsea. He’s at the bottom of the pecking order.
If ever there was a time for him to be used more, it has just passed.
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Buonanotte’s window might already be closed
It’s a shame because Buonanotte is an exciting talent with heaps of ability.
He has been a Premier League player since the age of 17, most recently shining in a woeful Leicester side last season.
But competition in his position is fierce. Cole Palmer made his Chelsea return against Leeds, so Buonanotte’s chances have dropped even further.
THAT Palmer finish against Bournemouth🥶
Was this Chelsea's best goal last season?
Even when Palmer was out, players like Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro were played in the 10. The Brighton loanee didn’t get a look in.
It’s a strange one because Chelsea went out of their way to bring him in, but as it stands, Buonanotte doesn’t look like making his mark in a blue shirt.
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