Chelsea add forgotten star who hasn’t played since 2018 to Premier League squad

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Chelsea’s forgotten star Kenedy has been given another shot at resurrecting his dwindling career by manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Brazilian winger, 25, has been included in the Blues’ Premier League squad for the first time since 2018 and is training with the first team after being recalled from his loan spell at Flamengo in January.

Kenedy was tipped for big things when he signed for £6.3million as a teenager in 2015, but his career lost momentum while he was repeatedly sent out on loans to the likes of Watford, Newcastle, Getafe and Grenada.

But Tuchel believes the player is now ready for a return despite his last competitive game for Chelsea coming against Norwich four years ago.

When asked whether Kenedy was being given another chance to prove himself, the German claimed the talent is being presented with a “huge opportunity”.

He said: “Absolutely a clean slate. Yes, I cannot agree more. And I think he knows it.

“I have known him since many years, I followed him when he started at Chelsea and when he played at Newcastle.

“He was very impressive in the beginning of his career, but he lost track a little bit, maybe could not fulfil his own dreams or fulfil the demands that everybody had for him in his potential.

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“But this is life sometimes, and he gets a second and third chance now to be here.

“And this is what it’s about, it’s not about the past, it’s about what happens now."

Tuchel added: “He was good in pre-season, he wanted to go back to Brazil to take a chance there, and now we’ve had the situation with Ben and having Kenny and Emerson on loan, Kenny was possible and I’m happy that he’s here.

“Now it’s his duty to get fit, we have to bring him to match fitness and then he needs some minutes, however that will work out, and he’s got to deserve it.

“But he’s now part of the group, he’s a very nice guy and very talented, and let’s see where he is and he can maybe make it.

“I think it’s a huge opportunity for him and I’m more than happy to give it to him, and to help him make the best of it.”

Kenedy appeared on the bench as an unused substitute in Chelsea's 2-1 FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

  • Chelsea FC
  • Premier League

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