CHELSEA are set to face Astana in subzero temperatures with 11 academy stars hoping for an opportunity after making the 7,000-mile trip.
The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in the Conference League having won all four of their fixtures, which have led them to first place in the League Phase.
And the West Londoners have done so without some big names, such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and star man Cole Palmer who were left out in manager Enzo Maresca’s bid to manage a busy fixtures list.
Palmer and co can still play in the competition during the knockout stages, but Maresca wishes to rest players who will also have to compete in the summer’s controversial Club World Cup.
Cesare Casadei was also sent off with two yellow cards at Heidenheim two weeks ago, which has led to fewer senior choices.
The Italian tactician has placed faith on youth during the European campaign and will do the same against Astana as youngsters will be jetting off with the senior squad all the way to Kazakhstan.
There is no official confirmation as to how many academy players will be flying, but 11 of them are currently listed in Chelsea’s updated squad.
Those are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Harrison McMahon, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Josh Acheampong, Shumaira Mheuka and Richard Olise.
One of the names may sound familiar as Olise is the brother of ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich.
Astana could mark senior debuts for Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Dyer, Ampah, Mheuka, Olise and Merrick.
And that means they are facing a trial by fire as temperatures in Astana are expected to drop to -21C on Thursday when the two teams face off at the Pavlodar Central Stadium.
When Chelsea started in the competition, only five were named in the squad – Acheampong, Dyer, George, McMahon and Merrick.
The Premier League giants are allowed to add an unlimited number of youngsters from their esteemed Cobham academy to their squad’s B list whenever they wish.
Read the full article here
