Cuevas replaces Kenedy in Chelsea squad

Cristian Cuevas has joined the Chelsea squad in Singapore as a replacement for Kenedy.

Like Kenedy, the 22-year-old Peruvian plays as a left-back or left winger.

He was signed by Chelsea in 2013 and has since spent time on loan in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem and PSV Einhhoven, back in his native country with Universidad de Chile, and more recently in Belgium with Sint-Truidense.

Kenedy has returned to London after being sent back to the UK by Chelsea from the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East.

Chelsea issued an apology after the player posted offensive social media comments about China, where the Blues spent the first part of their trip.

The 21-year-old posted two images on Instagram which prompted criticism – and boos from Chelsea’s Chinese followers during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal in Beijing. He later apologised.

A statement from the club said: “Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from.

“His behaviour does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements of its young players. He has been strongly reprimanded and disciplined.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect and admiration for China and loves our Chinese fans.

“It is because of this that the negative impact we have seen over the last two days has left us shocked and saddened.

“Once again, we sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people.”

Kenedy said: “I would like to apologise to the people of China for the offence I have caused. It was never my intention to insult or offend anyone at all and I now realise that my comments were totally inappropriate.”

Chelsea play AC Milan in a friendly on Saturday.