Journalist Simon Phillips believes that “as time goes on” Carney Chukwuemeka will be given a chance at Chelsea.

Chukwuemeka arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer for £20m, despite little exposure at the top level.

Last season, the Aston Villa academy graduate made his first-team debut for the west Midlands club, going on to make 15 appearances.

He appeared in the Premier League 12 times, but only twice as a starter.

Since his switch to the capital, the 18-year-old has been left on the bench four times or not even involved in the matchday squad. 

However, the England U20 international did score both goals as the Blues defeated Graham Potter’s former side, Brighton, 2-1 in an in-house friendly.

Now Phillips has claimed that the talented youngster is knocking on the door and believes it’s only a matter of time before he is given an opportunity by the English coach.

He told GIVEMEPSORT: “​​He’s doing all he can and he’s working hard and there’s no way that he can keep being ignored going forward.

“I think he will get chances, whether that’s off the bench or a start here or there in a cup competition. As time goes on, he will definitely get more games.”

Competition for places

Chukwuemeka has been hailed as an “absolute star” by former Arsenal player Paul Merson (Sky Sports via Birmingham Mail) after making his full debut at Villa Park.

However, the squad in his preferred position of center-midfield is currently quite stacked.

Potter can rely on first-team regulars N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, as well as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher and Denis Zakaria.

While he has played at number 10, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz are ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, with 13 games in 43 days before the mid-season World Cup, Potter’s squad will be stretched to the limit, which could provide an opportunity for Chukwuemeka to shine.