Kellyman has been a key player for Cardiff City this season, but he will not be able to play against his parent club Chelsea in tonight's Carabao Cup quarter-final
Omari Kellyman of Cardiff City(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
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Chelsea have turned down Cardiff City's request to allow Omari Kellyman to play against his parent club in the Carabao Cup quarter-final match tonight.
There was optimism that Kellyman, who transferred to Chelsea from Aston Villa for £19m in the summer of 2024, might be permitted to play against his parent club. However, the Blues have not provided written consent.
The Sun reports that the League One team made 'a tentative verbal request' to include the loanee, who joined Brian Barry-Murphy's squad on a season-long loan in the summer, in the matchday line-up.
Nonetheless, Chelsea declined Cardiff's request, who are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament.
Since joining the Welsh club from Stamford Bridge in the summer, Kellyman has become an integral part of the team, netting twice in 17 matches.
He has already contributed to Cardiff's journey to this stage of the competition, coming off the bench in the victory over Aston Villa in the third round.
He then started in the win against Wrexham, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman has spent the first half of the season on loan at Cardiff City but won't feature tonight.
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This isn't the first time Chelsea have adopted this approach with a loaned player; they also denied Conor Gallagher the opportunity to play against them during his loan period at Crystal Palace in 2022.
A victory over the Bluebirds would see Enzo Maresca's team take another significant stride towards lifting a trophy.
Ahead of the match, Maresca commented: "These are the worst games for this reason. Football is full of these kind of games where the favourite one, they can use and they can drop.
"That's why we need to pay attention. That's why the focus has to be on Cardiff. Again, it can be the third semi-final in 18 months, but it's something important.
"I think since I joined the club, I always try to say the same. To have the winning mentality, you need to win games. Otherwise, the players, they don't believe you.
"So since day one, we are trying to win games. And tomorrow is another chance to be there in another semi-final, no matter the competition.
"And it's an important moment for the players, for the fans, for the club, for everyone."