Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has named a large group of academy players in his squad to face Astana in the UEFA Conference League this afternoon.
The clash is Chelsea’s furthest-ever European away trip and Maresca has opted to leave the bulk of his big hitters at home. In Kazakhstan are a wealth of Cobham products and there are several starlets who could make their first appearance for the Blues today.
Among them is exciting winger Ato Ampah, who scored eight goals as Chelsea won the u-18 southern title last season. He’s joined the senior side this week, alongside Kiano Dyer, Max Merrick, Harrison Murray-Campbell and Kaiden Wilson.
Richard Olise, the younger brother of Bayern Munich winger Michael, could also debut. The youngest member of the group is Shumaira Mheuka, who only turned 17 in October.
Fellow academy products Harvey Vale, Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Tyrique George are also part of the squad and looking to add to their limited first-team minutes to date.
Chelsea travelling squad to face Astana
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom, Max Merrick
Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Renato Veiga, Josh Acheampong, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Richard Olise, Kaiden Wilson
Midfielders: Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kiano Dyer, Sam Rak-Sakyi, Harvey Vale
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Ato Ampah, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Shumaira Mheuka
When is FC Astana vs Chelsea?
Chelsea take on Astana at the Kazakhstan National Stadium on Thursday 12th December 2024. Kick-off in the UEFA Europa Conference League clash is 15:30 GMT.
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