Chelsea have reportedly told Mykhaylo Mudryk that he is still in their first-team plans ahead of the January transfer window.
The Ukrainian international has struggled for minutes in the Premier League this season, with Chelsea's bloated squad allowing manager Enzo Maresca to field two entirely different teams in separate competitions.
Maresca's Premier League XI includes their most important players such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo.
However, in the EFL Cup and the Conference League, Mudryk, along with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and more recently Enzo Fernandez, has been given game time.
Pedro Neto has proved in recent weeks that there is a gateway into the Premier League XI based on performances in the cup competitions, though, earning a promotion following the injury to Jadon Sancho.
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Chelsea provide Mudryk with game-time promise?
Ahead of a hectic winter schedule, where the Blues will now play 11 matches in the final six weeks of the year, it appears Mudryk could be utilised more often in the Premier League.
Football Insider claim that Maresca sees the 23-year-old as a very important member of the squad, who will play in the cup competitions, and fill in when necessary for potential injuries.
Playing two games a week almost every week now for the rest of 2024, before the start of the FA Cup in January, means Maresca may need to rotate slightly in the league, and Mudryk would be one of the first players on hand.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Mudryk is a wanted man in the January window from clubs around Europe, but a loan deal would be the only affordable scenario for many.
The aforementioned report also states that Chelsea would only allow Mudryk to leave on their terms, and they have no interest in seeking a buyer for the player.
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What position are Chelsea's other attacking options in?
Only featuring in the minor competitions has also seen Nkunku linked with a move away, and more specifically to Manchester United in recent days.
Neto was a regular in the cup team earlier this season though, and now looks a nailed-on starter in the league, but for Nkunku to work his way into the side, suspension or injury would need to rule Jackson out.
Noni Madueke also remains a constant in the Chelsea attack in the Premier League, and after starring for England during the international break, there is nothing to suggest he may find himself dropping out of the side any time soon.
The one untouchable talent in the Chelsea team is Palmer, but after missing England duty last week, there have been doubts around his fitness ahead of the trip to Leicester City on Saturday, but Maresca has confirmed he should be fine to start.
Andrew Delaney
