Chelsea promote three Academy stars to the first-team squad for the cup tie against Manchester City
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have promoted three Academy stars to their first-team squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Winger Omari Hutchinson, midfielder Lewis Hall and defender Bashir Humphreys have all trained with the senior squad this week and are in contention to be in the squad to face Pep Guardiola’s men.
Hutchinson (18) was signed in the summer window from Arsenal despite attempts from Mikel Arteta to stop him. Hall (18) has already made one senior appearance for the club when he was handed his debut against Chesterfield in a FA Cup tie last season.
Humphreys (19) is the captain of the Chelsea U21s and has signed a new contract this year with the club. He would be a valuable addition to the squad in the defensive department.
After missing out on this trophy in the final on penalties last season, Chelsea would be hoping to go one step better this time around.
Graham Potter has had to deal with an intense schedule of league and Champions League games. From the start of October till the weekend, the Blues had played 11 games in 37 days.
So, this cup tie might be an opportunity for the manager to rest most of his key senior players and give opportunities to young talents and fringe players.
Although the draw is tough considering this is just the third round of this competition, it would be an ideal chance for the youngsters to showcase their talent at the home of the English champions.
More Chelsea News:
- Omari Hutchinson told not to report for Jamaica; in contention to feature for Chelsea against Manchester City
- Rafael Leao ‘complications’ over new contract with AC Milan give Chelsea boost in transfer race
- Chelsea to seek Manchester City help as they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16
After back-to-back defeats in the league, Potter and his men would be looking to return to winning ways in the domestic circuit. Playing even a second-string Manchester City will be tough. Hence, the Blues have to be well-prepared for this one.
