Carney Chukwuemeka ‘unfairly’ forced to withdraw from England U20s squad sparking Chelsea fury
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA has withdrawn from England U20s World Cup squad for the group stages – sparking fury from Chelsea fans.
The midfielder was set to link up with the youth squad for the tournament in Argentina, with the Three Lions’ opening match against Tunisia on Monday.
But the group stage games clash with the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Chelsea are now understood to have informed the FA that they will not be releasing Chukwuemeka for the World Cup’s opening games.
And the BBC report he could be missing for the entire tournament.
Chelsea are believed to have made the decision after injuries to N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic left them short in midfield.
The Blues have three games remaining before their season comes to an end.
But all the matches are effectively dead rubbers after a poor season left the London club drifting around in mid-table and unable to challenge for the European places.
The decision is a blow to U20 boss Ian Foster who is not allowed to call-up a replacement under tournament rules.
England will head to South America today with only 16 players as four are still involved in the EFL play-offs.
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Fans have been left baffled by the decision to not allow Chukwuemeka to head to Argentina with the rest of England’s young guns.
The 19-year-old has not been in the club’s matchday squad for the previous seven matches and last started a league game in January.
One Chelsea fan said on Twitter: “Disgraceful if Carney Chukwuemeka doesn’t get minutes now he’s been held back from joining the U20s World Cup.”
Another said: “[Frank] Lampard won’t play him, he’s going to be benched in every single game or not even make the squad list so I don’t understand why he’s getting hindered.”
While another frustrated supporter said: “If he don’t start Sunday [away at Manchester City] not fair.”
And one added: “I don’t understand. We have noting to play for so let him go and gain tournament experience.”
Chelsea beat Barcelona to the signing of the highly-rated youngster last summer but it has not been a straightforward debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Amid the London side’s troubled campaign and managerial changes, he has only made 11 first-team appearances but has shown flashes of potential in his outings.