Chelsea midfielder removes all traces of current club from social media after being unhappy with lack of playing time out on loan

Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has removed all traces of his current club Southampton from his Instagram account. According to a report from the Mirror, the midfielder isn't happy with his lack of playing time while on loan at St. Mary's Stadium.

In 2021, the 20-year-old broke through the first team at French outfit Rennes. He went on to play 60 games for the club, scoring a goal and providing an assist across three seasons. His performances attracted interest from Stamford Bridge and the Blues signed him in August 2023.

After playing just 15 games for Chelsea last season, he moved to Southampton on loan in August 2024. However, he has not enjoyed his start to life with the Saints this season. Ugochukwu has started just two Premier League games, with four appearances coming off the bench, in a total of 13 games. He has started all three of their Carabao Cup games.

However, he was recently left out of the matchday squad in Southampton's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on November 29 at the Amex. It seems like there is little love between the player and his loan club, as he has now deleted all traces of the Saints from his social media account.

A return to Chelsea could be on the cards in the January transfer window if Ugochukwu is unable to adapt to the playing time situation at St. Mary's.

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reveals he is not focused on title race

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has spoken about the ongoing Premier League title race, with the Blues currently sitting in third place. However, the head coach does not believe they are in the race.

He discussed this in his press conference ahead of the Blues' clash against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 1, saying (via BBC):

"I said many times - I didn't like the pressure. I didn't like to say yes we are there, but we are not there... Arsenal are ahead of us, [Manchester] City is ahead of us, Liverpool showing they are ahead of us. The important thing is we improve game after game and then we will see."

He also warned against Chelsea keeping their eyes on their position on the table, instead noting that his focus was on the process, adding:

"For me, it is not about points or the table, it is about the process and the programme. Five years together [Arsenal], nine together [Man City]... Liverpool is different but they didn’t make too many changes from before. [It's] not about the points difference on the table, it is about the time together."

Chelsea know that a win against Aston Villa may not increase their position in the rankings, but it will keep them in the top four. They are currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool.