RECALLED Chelsea left-back Kenedy has been pictured in training after his return to the club.
Chelsea recalled Kenedy from Brazilian club Flamengo to battle the ongoing injury crisis in the squad of the current European Champions.
Kenedy getting back to grips with life at Chelsea in training at the club’s Cobham baseCredit: Getty
The left-back was recalled by Tuchel with the Blues in the midst of an injury crisisCredit: Getty
Kenedy seemed in good spirits while preparing for Tuesday night’s clash against BrightonCredit: Getty
With Ben Chilwell expected to be out for the rest of the season, Marcos Alonso is Thomas Tuchel’s only option at left wing-back.
Attempts to recall Emerson from his loan spell at Lyon failed, leaving the Blues with no option other than to bring Kenedy back to the club.
He played 17 times while on loan in Brazil, scoring once and providing one assist.
And ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash on the South Coast against Brighton, Kenedy has been spotted in Chelsea training.
The 25-year-old tussled with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Jorginho, while sharing a laugh with N’Golo Kante at the club’s Cobham base.
Twice capped by Brazil, Kenedy appeared in good spirits upon his return to the Blues.
Kenedy has been out on loan at Flamengo since August, but has not made a Premier League appearance for Chelsea since 2016.
There was even an £8million option to make the loan deal permanent, something which will now not be the case.
And after six years without a Prem game, even Kenedy himself admitted he was ‘surprised’ that the club required his services in the second half of the season.
Speaking at Rio de Janeiro airport, Kenedy said: “I was taken by surprise. I found out yesterday night (Wednesday 12th) around 11 pm. Everything was very fast.
“Chelsea had a contract with Flamengo. They asked me to present myself and I’m presenting myself. It was Flamengo that told me. I’m just fulfilling the contract.”
Kenedy is unlikely to be named in Chelsea’s starting line-up for the clash against Brighton this evening, but could find himself with some minutes off the bench.
But if Alonso suffers the same fate as Chilwell and picks up an injury, Kenedy could be thrust into the starting side for the second half of the campaign.
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