Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he will have to think carefully before deciding whether to use Kenedy or Charly Musonda in Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Brentford.
Both players were recalled from loan deals this month – Kenedy at Watford and Musonda at Real Betis – and Conte is thinking over whether to give them further experience elsewhere for the rest of the season.
However, Fifa rules state players can only feature for two clubs in one season, so if he opts to use them against the Bees, they would then have to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match media conference, Conte said: “If tomorrow Kenedy or Musonda play only one second they must stay with us for the rest of the season. The players know this, the club know this, I know this.
“They are two young players with good prospects. This level is a high level but they have a good will to fight, to try to improve.
“If we take the decision [for them] to stay here, the players will be very happy and the club and I the same.”
Kenedy was signed from Fluminense in August 2015 and made 18 appearances for the Blues last season – however, in four months at Watford he played only 15 minutes.
Musonda has yet to play for Chelsea’s first team since joining as a 15-year-old from Anderlecht in 2012.