Maresca Confirms Chukwuemeka’s Absence, Cites Midfield Competition at Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Carney Chukwuemeka will not feature in today’s match, citing the strong competition in Chelsea’s midfield as a major obstacle preventing the young player from securing consistent playing time. While acknowledging Chukwuemeka’s talent, Maresca noted that the intense competition within the squad has made it difficult for him to regularly feature.
Chukwuemeka, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022, has struggled to break into the first team. This season, his appearances have been limited, with only a few outings to his name. Maresca has previously suggested that the 20-year-old midfielder could benefit from more consistent minutes, possibly through a loan move to another club. Back in September 2024, Maresca expressed his admiration for Chukwuemeka, stating, “I really, really like Carney. The issue is that we have so many attacking midfielders, so he will find it tough to get into the team.”
Several clubs have shown interest in Chukwuemeka, with West Ham United reportedly keen to strengthen their midfield. They have been linked with both Chukwuemeka and Chelsea teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with the London club exploring potential loan deals for the two players to help navigate a challenging Premier League season.
Interest in Chukwuemeka isn’t limited to English clubs. European sides have also been monitoring the midfielder, with Italian club Torino said to be targeting him during the summer transfer window. Though a move to Torino didn’t materialize, Chelsea is reportedly open to offers, with a transfer fee expected to be around £40 million.
Chelsea’s midfield is packed with high-profile players like Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia, leaving limited opportunities for Chukwuemeka to make an impact. This depth increases the likelihood of a move in the January transfer window. Maresca has acknowledged the frustration of players with limited opportunities, saying, “There are players who haven’t played much in all competitions… They are probably the first to want to leave because they work hard every day and want to play.”
As the January window unfolds, clubs in need of midfield reinforcements will keep a close eye on Chukwuemeka’s situation, hoping to provide the young talent with the regular game time necessary to continue developing and fulfilling the potential that led Chelsea to sign him from Aston Villa.
