Chelsea manager Graham Potter has reportedly expressed more faith in teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka than in outcast loanee Denis Zakaria. Some reports suggest that Zakaria’s underwhelming loan spell at west London may end prematurely in January. The Juventus star has so far failed to make an appearance since deadline day.
Zakaria was an emergency signing made by ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to add more options to the midfield. However, he has struggled to prove his worth to his new boss Potter.
It has now emerged that Potter prefers using young starlet Chukwuemeka who shined during cameos against Wolves and Brentford. The 19-year-old U19 England player was believed to be a prospect for the future and was controversially signed from Aston Villa at the start of the Season.
He is now ahead of Zakaria in Potter’s choices for his midfield. The Swiss midfielder is reportedly the ‘last’ option in midfield when Potter considers his team selections.
Graham Potter on Zakaria’s position in the team
Most reports suggest that Zakaria could return to Juventus in January. But Potter has quashed these suggestions. He has expressed his hopes that the 25-year-old can make an impact:
“There has been no decision made at all on that. Denis has been in the group and he’s been training well. He’s ready to help the team but obviously there’s competition for places in that area. There’s no talks [about leaving]. He’s an important member of the team and is being patient and trying to help the team from the side at the moment, waiting for a chance”
Zakaria himself has proclaimed his desire to stay at Chelsea beyond his loan spell.
“Of course. If you don’t do good, you don’t have the chance to stay. Chelsea is a big club and if you’re not good enough, you can’t stay at this club. I am here to prove I deserve to be here, that I am a good player and I can help the team. We will see what happens at the end.”
Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday. The Blues are currently fourth on the table, with 20 points.
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