The Brazilian last played for the Blues just over four years ago, subsequently embarking on loan spells at Newcastle, Getafe, Granada and Flamengo. He returned to Cobham last month as we searched for cover on the left side of the pitch in the wake of the season-ending injury Ben Chilwell sustained.

With no new additions during the January transfer window and attempts to recall Emerson Palmieri rebuffed, Kenedy will now form part of the squad until the end of the season, and at his press conference today Tuchel underlined the opportunity that has presented itself to the 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2015.

‘It is absolutely a clean slate for him,’ said Tuchel. ‘He knows it.

‘I have known him for many years. I followed him when he started at Chelsea, I followed him when he played for Newcastle. He was very impressive in the beginning of his career, very promising.

‘He lost track a little bit, maybe he could not fulfil his own dreams or the demands everybody from outside had on him. But this is life sometimes. He gets a second and third chance now to be here. It’s not about the past or what happened or didn’t happen.

‘He was good in pre-season. He wanted to go back to Brazil to take a chance there, and then we had the situation with Ben. Having Kenny and Emerson on loan, Kenny was possible and I am happy he is here.

‘It is his duty to get fit,’ continued Tuchel.

‘We have to bring him to match fitness and he needs some minutes. He needs to deserve but he is now part of the group. He is a very nice guy, very talented and let’s see where he is and if he can make it. It’s a huge opportunity for him and I’m more than happy to give it to him and to make the best out of it and help him.’

When it comes to where Kenedy could fit in to his line-up, Tuchel was in no doubt that left wing-back would fit him best if we are using the boss’s favoured 3-4-3 shape.

‘It’s the perfect role for him given his profile as a player. He has a very strong left foot; he is very strong in possessional play. He can shoot and cross very precisely.

‘He’s very talented, there was never a doubt about this, and now it’s about having the right mentality and mindset to take this huge opportunity. He will fight for his place and the others will hopefully take on the fight to not let him take their place away. Then it depends what formation we play, but a wing-back role suits him very good.’