Thierry Henry expresses apprehension regarding Chelsea’s recent acquisition
Thierry Henry admits he is concerned about the lack of game time Lesley Ugochukwu has been afforded since his summer transfer to Chelsea.
The teenager joined the Blues from Stade Rennais back in August for a fee in the region of £25million but has managed just 140 minutes in the Premier League.
With Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cono Gallagher already firmly established as Mauricio Pochettino’s first choice midfield triumvirate, Ugochukwu has been used mainly during Chelsea’s run to the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup.
Henry, now France Under-21 manager, has selected Ugochukwu in his latest squad, along with Lyon’s Johann Lepenant who is also struggling to make an impression at the ailing Ligue 1 club.
‘Johann’s situation is increasingly worrying,’ began Henry, in a press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe.
‘For us, he continues to be more than good and we’ll continue to help him on a physical level whilst he’s on international duty, but it’s up to him and his entourage to solve the problem with Lyon.’
On Ugochukwu, he added, ‘The problem is the same with Lesley.
‘Even if the situation is different at Chelsea because in front of him there are players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
‘But he’s not playing, and nowadays, these players don’t even play with the reserve side to keep their rhythm.
‘At the start of the season, you can benefit from the physical conditioning of the pre-season but the benefits fade.
‘I hope he can continue to keep on course physically.’
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