Chelsea reject Cardiff City's request as £19m loan star blocked from playing in Carabao Cup

Chelsea take on League One side Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash this evening

Chelsea have rejected Cardiff City's request for Omari Hutchinson to feature against his parent club in the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash tonight.

There had been hope that Kellyman, who joined Chelsea in a £19m move from Aston Villa back in the summer of 2024, would be able to feature against his parent club, but the Blues have not given written permission.

The Sun claims the League One side made 'a tentative verbal request' to name the loanee, who joined Brian Barry-Murphy's side on a season-long loan in the summer, in the matchday squad.

However, the Blues rejected the request from Cardiff, who are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.

Kellyman has become a key figure at the Welsh club since joining them in the summer from Stamford Bridge, score twice in 17 games.

He has already played his part in Cardiff's run to this stage of the competition, coming off the bench in the win over Aston Villa in the third round of the competition.

He then started the win over Wrexham to secure their place in the quarter-final stage.

It's not the first time Chelsea have taken this stance with a loanee, they also refused Conor Gallagher permission to play against them during his loan spell with Crystal Palace back in 2022.

A win over the Bluebirds would see Enzo Maresca's side take another huge step towards winning silverware.

Speaking ahead of the game, Maresca said: "These are the worst games for this reason. Football is full of these kind of games where the favourite one, they can use and they can drop.

"That's why we need to pay attention. That's why the focus has to be on Cardiff. Again, it can be the third semi-final in 18 months, but it's something important.

"I think since I joined the club, I always try to say the same. To have the winning mentality, you need to win games. Otherwise, the players, they don't believe you.

"So since day one, we are trying to win games. And tomorrow is another chance to be there in another semi-final, no matter the competition.

"And it's an important moment for the players, for the fans, for the club, for everyone."