Five youngsters that could get their chance to impress for the Blues in Europe.
Chelsea will take on Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night in what is now a rather unimportant Champions League clash. With the Blues already through and crowned as champions of their group, they have very little to play for. A defeat at the weekend to Newcastle showed that a number of Jose Mourinho’s men are in need of a rest, and now could be an ideal time to give a few of their younger stars a bit of game time. Below are five that could be given a chance to shine this week.
5. Dominic Solanke
The young forward has already made his way to the fringes of the Chelsea first team and made his debut in the thrashing of Maribor earlier this season. However, it’s not likely that he’ll get ahead of Loic Remy.
4. Lewis Baker
Mourinho rates Baker so highly that he has already backed him to become an England international in the future. He made his first team debut in the FA Cup last season and is the perfect candidate to play games when there is nothing at stake.
3. Jeremie Boga
Yet to make his senior bow, but his performances in Chelsea’s youth side have not gone unnoticed and he has been included in the club’s European squad. Sadly, there is huge strength in depth in his position, making a start unlikely, but it would be no surprise to see him included in the match day squad.
2. Kurt Zouma
The centre-back has already made several fledgling appearances in the first team since linking up with the club over the summer, but his inexperience has kept him from breaking through regularly. However, he may get to go from the start as Jose Mourinho looks to protect the fitness of either John Terry or Gary Cahill.
1. Andreas Christensen
The young Dane already has 90 minutes in a Chelsea shirt under his belt, when he played against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup. He could cover at right-back or through the middle should Mourinho want to rest a few more of his established stars.
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