EPL: Why Joao Felix pulled out of Chelsea’s squad to face Man City

Chelsea playmaker, Joao Felix, has pulled out of the squad to face Manchester City in the Premier League due to family bereavement.

Felix looked set to feature against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.

But the Portugal international was afforded compassionate leave and has flown home following a family bereavement.

Felix has appeared just 12 times in the Premier League this season under manager Enzo Maresca.

The former Barcelona star joined the Blues from Atletico Madrid for £46.3 million last summer.

The 25-year-old has been behind Cole Palmer in the No.10 pecking order.

As a result of his lack of regular playing time in the Premier League, Felix has been linked with a potential move away from Stamford Bridge before the January transfer window closes.

Speaking yesterday at his pre-match interview, Maresca delved into the reasons behind Felix’s limited game time this season and labelled the player as ‘fantastic’.