Maurizio Sarri has discussed Callum Hudson-Odoi’s chances of starting for Chelsea in the Premier League.
The 18-year-old made his senior England debut in the recent international break, despite having never started a Premier League game, and impressed by providing an assist in England’s 5-1 win in Montenegro.
Hudson-Odoi is yet to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge as he seeks more playing time, however, Sarri insists the teenager is ‘ready’ to start in the league.
‘I had 14 players in the national teams and I had no time to watch 20 matches!’ Sarri told the press ahead of his sides clash with Cardiff on Sunday.
‘I saw the England national team for only 20 or 25 minutes. Callum didn’t start very well in the first 20 minutes on the right. He did very well on the left immediately.
‘I know him very well, and I know very well he prefers to play on the left.’
‘We have to play eight matches in 28 days. I am sure Callum will start in two or three of those matches. Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, for me it is the same. I am really very confident in him.
‘It’s not a problem for me to put him in the starting XI in a Premier League match. He is ready. But I can only play with two wingers, and we have Hazard, Willian and Pedro. In the near future probably he will start 75 or 80 per cent of matches.