Kenedy set for Chelsea return against Nottingham Forest in Carabao Cup after pre-season social media shame in China
The Brazilian wideman caused outrage during Blues‘ tour to the Far East by posting a string of offensive messages
KENEDY is poised to play his first game for Chelsea since being sent home from China in disgrace.
The Brazilian caused outrage during Blues‘ tour to the Far East by posting a string of offensive messages, including one captioned: “f***ing China”.
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Both he and Chelsea issued grovelling apologies – but reportedly still face the threat of being BANNED from China.
Kenedy was booed during a game against Arsenal, before Blues chiefs decided he should pack his bags and head back to England.
The Brazil youth international has since been asked to explain his action by the English FA.
That was followed by a warning to Blues from the Chinese FA – who claimed Kenedy’s comments could have created “walls and hatred”.
But boss Antonio Conte is set to hand him a lifeline when Blues host Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Italian said: "It could be a good opportunity for Charly (Musonda) and also for Kenedy. It's the same.
"I think he knows very well what happened in China.
"For sure, he made a mistake. But I think that everyone in their life can make a mistake.
"Now he's focused, he's working very well, he understood his mistake.
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"Now he's ready. He's ready to play and to show he deserves a space for the future.”
Eden Hazard will start for Blues for the first time this season in Wednesday's third-round tie.
Conte added: "For Eden now is the right moment to start the game and to try to play the whole game."
"He can continue to improve a lot in his career and to become one of the best.
" For sure we want to win, to try to go in the next round.
"I'm sure Nottingham Forest wants the same. It's one of the most important clubs in England. We have great respect for them."