Joao Felix will not be in the Chelsea squad that faces Manchester City these days.
That's because the Portuguese have been given compassionate leave and will fly home after a family dispute.
Chelsea travel to City looking to boost their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League, in a match that sees Enzo Maresca take on his old mentor Pep Guardiola.
However, Felix, who has made 12 Premier League appearances this season following his £46.3million summer move from Atletico Madrid, will not be able to feature.
Most of those appearances have come as a substitute, as the 25-year-old playmaker sits behind Cole Palmer in the No. 10 pecking order.
That has linked him with a potential move this month.
Yesterday, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca spoke into the reasons behind Felix's limited playing time this season, labeling him 'fantastic'.
“Joao is definitely a Chelsea player,” Maresca said.
'The problem unfortunately for Joao and Christo [Nkunku]the manager plays most games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer.
'We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most games, so this is why Joao and Christo are struggling to get minutes – not for different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.
'The reason why is just because most games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is why. '
Pressed on whether Felix could leave before the transfer window closed, Maresca added: “I'm not saying that, I'm not saying that.
'I say I like both, but the reason they struggle is because I usually play with an attacking midfielder.'
Chelsea will also be without Romeo Lavia due to injury. The former City Academy graduate is not expected until March.
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