Chelsea team news: Ole hints at youthful side
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says a number of young players could get the nod in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Brandon Williams and James Garner are among those in line to feature, as indicated by the manager, when previewing the game. The youngsters have forced their way into his plans of late and are in contention for another first-team appearance in the capital.
“For just 10, 15 minutes tonight Jimmy played as well,” Ole told reporters after bringing Garner on during the 3-1 win over Norwich City.
“I thought he was excellent, because he’s calmed us down when we wanted to see the game out.
“So we’ve not made a decision on who is going to play [at Chelsea] but you’ll probably see the two of them [Garner and Williams].”
Paul Pogba will definitely be missing as the midfielder is still recovering from an ankle injury and is unlikely to return to the llne-up until December.
However, Ole has praised the performances of Fred and Andreas Pereira in his absence, suggesting the two Brazilians can fill the gap left by Pogba.
“Fred will probably take Paul’s position for a while now and he’s been brilliant for us, but Andreas has grown the last few games,” Solskjaer added.
“His energy and running, chasing – he's a different sort of no.10, he can play also in the central positions.
“So I’m delighted for Andreas – great professional, great attitude. He does his job to the best of his abilities.”
A number of other names from the Academy, such as Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes have been given increased responsibility by Solskjaer this season.
And with the likes of Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic and Axel Tuanzebe sidelined, the Norwegian may have to call upon them again when we go up against Frank Lampard’s side, who have also made headlines for their own youthfulness this season.
“We know it’s been tough and we know that we’ve asked a lot of them because Paul, Luke, Anthony – there's loads of other players that have been injured," added the boss.
“For us, the youngsters have stepped up in a difficult period. But in the end, they’ll be stronger for it.”
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Frank Lampard has confirmed N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger will be missing for the visit of United. The France midfielder picked up a groin problem on international duty, while Rudiger has only played 45 minutes so far this season after struggling with knee and groin injuries. Andreas Christensen is also a doubt, having missed the Newcastle and Burnley matches with a hamstring problem.
Ross Barkley sat out the trip to Turf Moor with an ankle injury and is unlikely to return, while fellow England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon in May. Olivier Giroud appears to be earmarked to lead the line and Lampard may shuffle his pack.
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