Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea first team squad does not look set to include one player this summer, who the manager confirmed is likely to have the chance to leave this summer.
The manager is likely pretty sure now which players are set to feature in the matchday squad for the Premier League season opener against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
With plenty of players still linked with a move away, there could be a few notable absentees from the Chelsea side. The likes of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson could miss out amid rumours of a move away.
With the Blues’ ambitious spending continuing in this window with signings such as Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, they have had to continue to sell players to fund those deals.
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One player who has been strongly linked with a move away is Carney Chukwuemeka, after he has clearly not convinced the manager that he should be a part of his squad since his arrival.
He started just one game in the 2024/25 campaign before being loaned out to Borussia Dortmund in January, with the Bundesliga side one of those interested in signing him.
Maresca told the Evening Standard that Chukwuemeka has been left to train with the players who are waiting to hear about their future, frequently referenced to as the ‘bomb squad’.
He said: “Yeah, maybe yes. He is training with the rest — with the ones that are waiting for a solution. He’s probably going to have a chance to leave.”
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After spending time on loan there, it has been said that Chukwuemeka’s dream move is to Borussia Dortmund if he is to leave this summer.
It has been reported that Chelsea have disappointed Chukwuemeka because this deal has not yet been done, with the Blues looking for a permanent solution rather than the loan deal which the German side are offering.
Any club looking to sign the youngster would no doubt be getting a very promising player, who looks like he is getting over the injury problems which plagued his first campaign at Stamford Bridge.
He was certainly highly thought of at Dortmund. Manager Niko Kovac described him as ‘unique’ during his time at the club (The Athletic).