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Chelsea to ponder Kenedy future, what’s next for the Brazilian?

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Kenedy of Chelsea and Micah Richards of Aston Villa compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park on April 2, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Kenedy of Chelsea and Micah Richards of Aston Villa compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park on April 2, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte confirmed on Tuesday that youngster Kenedy had returned from his Watford loan prematurely. They will now assess his future.

The 2016/17 season has been a rough one for Kenedy. After being deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, Antonio Conte loaned him out to Watford. However, the winger has returned to Chelsea despite being on a season-long deal.

The Blues boss confirmed that Kenedy’s loan had been cut short, due to the lack of game time he was receiving.

"There was this situation because Kenedy wasn’t playing with Watford so, for this reason, the best decision was for him to come back and stay with us, working with us, and evaluate him this month and then take the best decision for him. – via ESPN FC"

Kenedy has failed to make an impression on Watford boss Walter Mazzarri, featuring only once for the Hornets so far this season. Furthermore, that one appearance was off the bench.

Having been sent to Vicarage Road to gain invaluable Premier League minutes, his stint has been far from ideal. Hence, the decision was taken to cut the loan short.

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The 20-year-old enjoyed some exposure last season, making 20 competitive appearances in his first season with the Blues. His talent was evident to on-lookers and Chelsea fans hoped he would exploit this loan to develop further.

However, he will now need to be put back on the right path. Such a period of inactivity can hinder development and damage morale. Chelsea must ensure that his next move is a fruitful one.

Given the timing of the loan termination, management appear intent on sending him out again in January. Conte, though, projected a more cautious approach. Kenedy will have the opportunity to train with the Premier League leaders throughout December and thus enable the coaching staff to draw a better informed picture of his potential.

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Conte may even be feel that he could be used around Stamford Bridge as the season wears on and Chelsea push for the title.

Having said that, this period will likely be used to prepare him mentally and physically for his next loan. While the club could be blamed for the failed Watford spell, on paper it seemed a fantastic match. After all, the onus is on the player to break into the first team once he arrives.

With that in mind, Chelsea will need to find a club willing to start a 20-year-old who has spent half a year on the bench. Wasting away on the bench at Stamford Bridge is better than wasting away on the bench at a mid-table club. Neither is particularly appealing, though.

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