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The Chelsea boss has explained why two players with uncertain futures get little game time.

Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are facing an uncertain future at Chelsea after struggling to secure regular game time. 

Both players have started just three of Chelsea’s 22 matches this season, with Felix appearing 12 times, while the Frenchman has made 18 appearances.

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What Maresca said

Enzo Maresca has admitted that Felix and Nkunku have found it difficult to break into the starting lineup due to his tactical preference for playing with one attacking midfielder. 

Cole Palmer has been the preferred choice in that role, limiting the opportunities for the underutilised pair.   

“The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo [Nkunku], the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer,” Maresca said. “

We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most of the games, so this is the reason why Joao and Christo struggle to get minutes – not for any different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.

“The reason why is only because most of the games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is the reason why.”

Chelsea star Christopher Nunku has been urged to think about his future after finding himself surplus to requirements.

When pressed on Felix and Nkunku’s future, he said: “I am not saying that (they will leave), I am not saying that. I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.”

What next for Chelsea?

Maresca’s men travel to Manchester City on Saturday, keen to get back-to-back wins in their battle for the top-four spots.