Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has confirmed 17-year-old winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is set for a first-team role this season following his impressive display against Arsenal in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday.
Hudson-Odoi made his Premier League debut in January and went on to feature once more last term, having previously played an important role in England’s victorious Under-17 World Cup campaign.
Although Chelsea ultimately lost 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with the Gunners, Hudson-Odoi was again excellent out wide, causing Hector Bellerin no end of problems and winning a penalty from him, which Alvaro Morata ultimately wasted.
And now the attacker, who does not turn 18 until November, is set to be fast-tracked to Chelsea’s first-team squad for the new season.
“In the future he will be a very, very strong player for sure. He will stay with us [in the first team] for the season.”
Morata’s Chelsea career to date has not been easy and Wednesday’s match was another difficult one, as his profligacy effectively cost the Blues a win.
But Sarri was not about to pile on, adamant he is not worried about the Spain international.
“I don’t know if he is low on confidence,” Sarri added. “Maybe it was hard for the last three days, intense, so maybe this match he was a bit tired. I am not worried about Morata.”
Thibaut Courtois has one year left in his current contract Stamford Bridge and is considering leaving the Blues this summer to join Real Madrid.
Chelsea are, however, reluctant to let the Belgium shot stopper leave this summer and is trying to tie him down to a new contract which he has rejected.
Chelsea recently signed veteran goalkeeper Robert Green and are looking for Courtois’ replacement after missing out on Alisson to Liverpool.
Reports from The Sun indicates that the 26-year-old has asked Chelsea to set him free or else he will leave for free next summer if they hold him against his will.
That means Chelsea will have to look for Courtois’ replacement as soon as possible before the transfer window is closed next week Thursday.
Another player that has got Maurizio Sarri’s side worrying is Eden Hazard who is reported to be also looking for a move away to Real Madrid.
Courtois also confirmed two weeks ago that ‘where he goes, Hazard must follow him’
‘Wherever I go, Hazard must come along. We will not let each other go. We’ll see. Now first vacation. And agree with my entourage in between.’ Courtois said.