Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile have been blocked from being called-up to the France Olympic Games squad

Enzo Maresca handed early Chelsea midfielder blow as double Olympic move blocked

Chelsea will have participants in this summer's Olympic Games but two players have been blocked from appearing by Enzo Maresca

by · football.london

Chelsea will be one of many clubs impacted by this summer's Olympic Games in France after Thierry Henry named his highly-anticipated squad on Monday.

Les Blues are heavy favourites to win the tournament, which takes place from July 24 to August 10, with Henry leading a talented group of players. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann were all tipped to make the cut but haven't been called up.

However, there are numerous noticeable players in the 25-man squad including Chelsea's Lesley Ugochukwu. The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Rennes last summer but managed just 15 appearances due to injuries.

After missing four months, the midfielder appeared in the two final games of the season against Brighton and AFC Bournemouth. Now, his inclusion in the France Olympic squad means he will be unavailable for selection to Enzo Maresca at the start of the season.

The Italian is set to be appointed as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge but Ugochukwu won't be a player we will see in the first week of the season.

The Olympic football tournament isn't ratified or formally recognised by FIFA meaning clubs do have the relevant power to block call-ups to their players. Despite Ugochukwu's call-up, Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto have reportedly been blocked to feature for Henry's team.

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According to The Mirror, the defensive duo will stay at Chelsea during the Games. Enzo Fernandez is another player who could be part of this summer's tournament with Argentina.

Mauricio Pochettino reportedly approved the midfielder's participation but Maresca is said to be keen on keeping him back to maximise his chances of starting life in west London to the best of his ability.