As the season inches closer to its conclusion, Borussia Dortmund will be forced to make a decision regarding winter loanee Carney Chukwuemeka. Despite some impressive cameos, his fitness has led to limited opportunities to prove himself on the pitch.
With only two Bundesliga matches left, Kicker reports Chukwuemeka is a doubt for the weekend clash with Leverkusen. At a pre-match presser, Niko Kovač acknowledged several absences:
" We took them out today and scheduled a training review; the three are expected back on the pitch tomorrow."Niko Kovač
Kovač is referring specifically to Carney Chukwuemeka, Jamie Gittens, and Emre Can, who completed individual training. While Kovač stressed that all three players will likely be available this weekend, he seemed most hesitant about Chukwuemeka’s participation.
"There are ups and downs; he has not participated in every training session in the last week."Niko Kovač
Dortmund will soon be faced with a decision regarding Chukwuemeka’s future. While his technical ability is high, his limited gametime raises concerns about the Englishman’s ability to be relied upon. Since joining Dortmund, Chukwuemeka has played a total of 303 minutes, with just one start. He’s managed 70 minutes in one match, 55 minutes in another, and the rest of his appearances have been less than 20 minutes.
Borussia Dortmund could attempt some kind of swap deal with Chelsea for Jamie Gittens. Still, Gittens’ market value is far higher, and Chelsea demands 30-35 million euros, a far higher price even than the 21-year-old’s 15-million euro value, according to Transfermarkt.
With a high price, limited sample of appearances to judge, and near-constant fitness problems during his loan, is Carney Chukwuemeka a player Dortmund should keep pursuing? It’s clear the summer will be busy, with fresh links to Jobe Bellingham and Luighi, who could supplement the squad.
I think it would be a big gamble to place a bet on chukwuemeka at this time, espeically when that money could be more efficiently used in securing talent. I know Knukwuemeka brings quiality, but at this stage of the season, I don't have enough confidence his ability to start and maintain the fitness leven needed for a team playing in three competitions.