CHELSEA have added forgotten man Kenedy to their Champions League squad.
The Brazilian winger takes Lewis Baker’s spot following the Englishman’s free transfer to Stoke after 17 years with the Blues.
That was the only change to the defending champions’ official Uefa list as they prepare for the knockout stages.
Chelsea face Lille in the Champions League last 16 with the first leg at Stamford Bridge on February 22.
And that could see Kenedy make his first appearance for the club since January 17, 2018 – almost 1,500 days ago.
The Blues recalled Kenedy from his loan spell at Flamengo last month because of a series of injuries within Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
He was an unused sub in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Plymouth but with Ben Chilwell and Reece James still out, his versatility could see him used as emergency wing-back cover.
Kenedy, who turns 26 today, admitted his shock at the sudden phone call telling him to pack his bags and catch a flight back to London.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Speaking at the airport last month, he said: “I was taken by surprise. I found out yesterday night around 11 pm. Everything was very fast.
“Chelsea had a contract with Flamengo. They asked me to present myself and I’m presenting myself.
“It was Flamengo that told me. I’m just fulfilling the contract.”
Kenedy arrived at Stamford Bridge way back in 2015 but has just 15 Premier League appearances for the club, the last in 2016, and one goal.
He was shipped out for loan spells at Watford, Newcastle, Getafe, Granada and Flamengo but did sign a new contract until 2023 last summer.
Chelsea were forced to apologise to Chinese supporters after the Brazilian winger’s 2017 social media posts caused ‘great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China’.
Kenedy was sent home from a pre-season tour after he posted Portuguese words which translated to ‘F*** China’ on Snapchat.
But Tuchel insisted last week the wide man has got a fresh chance at making the grade for Chelsea.
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
The German said: “Absolutely a clean slate.”Yes, I cannot agree more. And I think he knows it.
“This is life sometimes, and he gets a second and third chance now to be here.
“And this is what it’s about, it’s not about the past, it’s about what happens now.”
