Conte explains why Musonda and Kenedy remain unavailable for Chelsea

Antonio Conte is unwilling to play Kenedy and Charly Musonda in the EFL Cup as he considers the option of sending one, or both of them, out on loan before the end of the January window. 

Musonda and Kenedy have been recalled from both Real Betis and Watford and Conte wants to spend more time with the players before making a decision on whether they should fight for a place in west London or elsewhere. 

Kenedy broke through at Chelsea and could be an option to strengthen Conte's wing-back positions, since he switched to a 3-4-3 formation, while Musonda has yet to play for Chelsea's first team. Conte confirmed that the duo can't play against Peterborough due to FIFA rules, restricting players to appearances for only two clubs during a season. 

"For Musonda, for Kenedy, this month is important," Conte said at Cobham Training Centre. "They went on loan and it’s important to wait this month [to see] what happens, to evaluate the situation in the right way and then make the solution for the club, for the players above all.

"We know now that if Musonda or Kenedy play one second with us, they can’t go on loan. For this reason it’s important to evaluate. Kenedy is training with us only two weeks, Charly only 10 days.

"It’s important to evaluate these players and then make the best decision for the players, for the team, for the club and for me."

Chelsea have received contact from AS Roma over Musonda but have yet to make a formal decision on whether to loan him to the Italian club.