Chelsea’s weaknesses were exposed during their 3-2 Premier League defeat to Burnley on Saturday.
The defending champions finished the game with nine men as Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas saw red.
Manager Antonio Conte has struggled to bolster his side three months on from their title victory.
New signings have come in as like-for-like replacements for departures, while Conte has been criticised for letting youngsters Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathan Ake leave.
And their exposed lack of depth has caused so much concern among bosses at Stamford Bridge that Kenedy may now not be allowed to leave for Newcastle - at least until their problems are resolved.
That is according to Goal, who claim the Brazilian’s protracted transfer is now under the scrutiny of Blues officials.
Conte wants to sign Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Leicester ace Danny Drinkwater and want away Everton playmaker Ross Barkley.
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Chelsea sent Kenedy (left) back home early from their pre-season tour
Chelsea's Kenedy insults China with Instagram post
But none of those deals are guaranteed with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
It is feared 21-year-old Kenedy’s loan switch would leave Conte with even fewer options as deadline day approaches.
Kenedy was on the bench for Chelsea’s season-opener against Burnley, despite his indiscretions during the club’s pre-season tour of China resulting in him being sent home early.
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