Frank Lampard had confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James will be part of the squad that will face Grimsby Town in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round match.
Hudson-Odoi and James had missed all of preseason games due to Achilles and Ankle injuries respectively. The teenage duo had been back in the first team training for the past month. They have also made a couple of appearances for the club’s reserves/development team in the Premier League 2 matches. Hudson-Odoi recently committed his future with the club, signing a new five-year contract. He also had a fantastic game for Chelsea’s Under 23 against Southampton’s Under 23.
The game will be a way to rest, rotate and even introduce further new young players like Marc Guehi, Ian Maatsen, Billy Gilmour and more.
Injuries have plagued the Blues this season, not to mention the transfer ban that was slapped against the club for two transfer windows. Thus, it would be wise to take things slowly and assuredly. Once 100% fit, James will be the much-needed help and the depth at the right back; while Hudson-Odoi will be expected to live up the hyped he was given. Hudson-Odoi was previously linked to Bayern Munich but decided to stay at Stamford Bridge recently, signing a new deal.
It is however unclear whether Hudson-Odoi can break into the first team for Premier League and Champions League games right away. The Blues are facing Brighton on Saturday and will be taking a trip to Lille next Wednesday.
Lampard in an interview said, “They will be involved on Wednesday night, they’ll be involved. We certainly need to look at players that haven’t been playing as much against Grimsby.
“We’ll pay them due respect, but it’s certainly a case of getting minutes for players who haven’t been playing. Callum is on the road to recovery. It was a long injury, so he needs game time and Reece similarly.”
