Carney Chukwuemeka to miss group stage of the Under 20 World Cup in order to help injury-stricken Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Carnery Chukwuemeka will not join up with the England under-20 World Cup team until the group stage is over.

The 19-year-old will stay behind at his club as they have two injured players in midfield, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. Kante missed the club’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest over the weekend, while Kovacic was absent with a groin injury. 

Mason Mount is also doubtful despite returning to training a few days ago. 

Chelsea have now decided to keep Chukwuemeka around for their remaining games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

With Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Enzo Fernandez competing for a place in the starting XI, Chukwuemeka will likely be a bench option for those games. 

His decision to stick with Chelsea, means he will miss England's entire group stage of the Under-20 World Cup.

Drawn in Group E, the Young Lions face Tunisia on May 22, Uruguay three days later before concluding against Iraq on May 28.