Joao Felix is left out of Chelsea's team to face Manchester City on Saturday after being given time away from the club after a family loss.
Chelsea goes to Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening looking to make a real statement in the race for Premier League the first four. Blues are currently in fourth place, two points over their resurrected hosts.
They will have to face City without Felix as Telegraphs Matt Law reports that the offensive midfielder was given compassionate permission after a family loss.
Felix's absence has nothing to do with constant speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge. AC Milan is between teams Following Felix's signature, but the blue boss Enzo Maresca has reaffirmed his desire to keep the 25-year-old.
“Surely Joao is a Chelsea A player, ”Maresca said at his press conference before the match.
“The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo (Nkunku), the coach plays most of the matches with an offensive midfielder and he is Cole Palmer. We have decided to play with an offensive midfielder in most matches, so this is the reason Why Joao and Christo fight to get minutes – not for any different reason because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.
“The reason is only because in most matches I decide to play with an offensive midfielder in terms of balance. That is why.”