Antonio Conte has confirmed that Kenedy will not be part of Chelsea’s first team squad this season.

As Standard Sport revealed last month, the Brazilian is not part of Conte’s plans having failed to impress at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old was already set to be loaned out but he was sent home early from the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East after posting offensive messages on social media about China, where Chelsea were based at the start.

And Conte, who played Kenedy for just 94 minutes after he returned from loan at Watford in January, said: "I think that Kenedy last season didn't play before he went on loan to Watford.

"He only played 10 minutes.

"When he went back with Chelsea (in January) he played only twice. For him, his development, it is important to find the right solution for him to play regularly."

Chelsea had fined Kenedy heavily for the offensive messages, and Conte had said at the time of sending the youngster home: "Unfortunately, it happened this situation, because we all know it is a pity.

"The player was sorry about this situation. It is a difficult situation, also for the club.

"For this reason we make this decision for the player. The player understood his mistake, he is sorry for what happened. Now he must go home."