Kenedy wins Chelsea reprieve and set to face Bournemouth

Antonio Conte has said that Kenedy will be one of the Chelsea players given a chance to shine tonight against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

The 21-year-old Brazilian was sent home in disgust from the club’s pre-season tour of China over remarks he made on social media.

The left-back has made only two appearances this season – both in the Carabao Cup, but Conte has denied his lack of game time is a punishment from the summer.

Conte said: “This is the past. It happened, but we stop [there]. When we came back from China and Kenedy started training with us, I had to make a technical decision and it’s only this.

“I have to make technical decisions every game. In this case he deserves to have this opportunity to play and show he deserves to play for Chelsea.

“Kenedy tried to give everything during training. During these five months, the behaviour, the commitment was perfect. I think it’s right, for this reason, to give him the opportunity and the chance to play an important game.

“I have to trust my players. Not only with words, but with facts. To show I trust my players and I want to give them a big opportunity in a big game to show me they deserve to play.”