Chelsea have an immense amount of squad depth.
Enzo Maresca is even able to field an entirely different starting XI in the UEFA Conference League – with Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer actually being left out of the European squad entirely to ensure minutes for others, and to manage the trio’s workload.
Not many sides in Europe have this luxury, although it carries the obvious downfall of some players growing discontent with their role, with so many names ahead of them in the pecking order.
One man who has struggled for starts under Maresca so far this season is Joao Felix – with Chelsea now set to speak to the Portugal international to gather his true feelings.
Chelsea think Joao Felix may be unhappy
A story from Give Me Sport now claims that there is a growing awareness behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge that the Chelsea No.14 is not satisfied with his role.
Felix – who Chelsea signed in a £46.3m move from Atletico Madrid back in August – has only made two starts in the Premier League this season out of a possible 17.
The man born in Viseu has made two starts in the aforementioned UEFA Conference League as well as two starts in the Carabao Cup.
However, Give Me Sport state that Chelsea are bracing themselves for enquiries from other clubs about Felix in the January transfer window, and as such, Maresca will hold talks with the attacker to gauge his thoughts.
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If it becomes apparent that the 25-year-old really is unhappy with life in west London, Chelsea will look to find a new home for him.
Give Me Sport stress that Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Felix, but he will not be forced to stay if he shows a desire to move elsewhere.
Chelsea fans want to see more of Joao Felix
Based on what Chelsea supporters are saying about the Benfica academy graduate on social media, they would be gutted if he was to leave in January.
Chelsea fans were upset Maresca overlooked Felix during the 0-0 draw at Everton, leaving him on the bench entirely as just two substitutes were made in Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku.
Joao Felix of Chelsea looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 04, 2024 in...
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Since then, Chelsea supporters have urged Maresca to start Felix against Fulham on Boxing Day.
Give Me Sport added that the Italian may give the £46.3m man a chance to start in that west London derby – and also the trip to Ipswich on Monday 30th December – to see whether it improves his mood.
Hopefully, that does happen, as Felix is a seriously talented footballer in desperate need of a place to settle after a tough spell with Atletico Madrid.
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