The Aston Villa graduate has endured an injury-plagued career with the Blues and he has yet to prove his credentials.

He was not in the matchday squad against Manchester City today and when pressed on the 20-year-old's future, Maresca said:

"Every case is a bit different. Carney is a very good player but because of some injuries in the past, I think it's important he plays 30 or 35 games in a row. Is he going to play that for us? I'm not sure."

Chukwuemeka has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs and there is a possibility that he could leave on loan.

The Blues need to trim their squad of more than 30 before the transfer deadline and there could be several more exits.

Romelu Lukaku , Raheem Sterling , Ben Chiwell , Datro Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are among expected to be sold.

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