Baker could feature in Chelsea cup tie

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is considering giving young midfielder Lewis Baker a full debut in tonight’s Capital One Cup tie against Shrewsbury.

The England Under-20 international was an unused substitute in the third-round win over Bolton and was also on the bench for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Mourinho has said he will be making changes for Chelsea’s second game in only 48 hours, with Kurt Zouma, John Mikel Obi, Nathan Ake, Andre Schurrle, Mohamed Salah all expected to start and the fit-again Ramires likely to be involved.

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“We are sure that he will be a good player.”
Jose Mourinho on Lewis Baker

And 19-year-old Baker, who made one brief substitute appearance for the Blues in the FA Cup win over Derby County last season, is also in the frame as Mourinho looks to rest one or two of his key midfielders prior to Saturday’s derby against QPR at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho said: “He has a chance to play. I don’t know if he will start.

“He has a long way to go but he has the potential. That is why he is a Chelsea first-team player. We are sure that he will be a good player.”

Shrewsbury, who beat Premier League side Leicester in the third round, have won their last four league games and are fourth in League Two.

Mourinho added: “It’s a big day for them. We know it will be difficult. Every game is important. We have to play matches with respect.

“We will go there with a good team. If they win they win, but they win against a good team.”

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