Conte backs youngsters ahead of cup tie
Antonio Conte says he believes the likes of teenage striker Callum Hudson-Odoi could play for Chelsea’s first team for 10 years or more.
Hudson-Odoi, 17, has impressed at youth level and could could feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth.
So too could right-back Dujon Sterling, while Ethan Ampadu is in line for another first-team outing.
Blues boss Conte said: “These players are the future for Chelsea. I must consider the young players if they deserve this chance.
“Sterling is a really good player. Ampadu played the last game (in the EFL Cup) against Everton and maybe he could start.
“Sterling has been working with us a lot this season, Ampadu has always been training with us every day.
“Odoi is another player that deserves to have a chance to show he can play for this team for 10 years or 15 years.”
Conte also confirmed that the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Danny Drinkwater and Kenedy are set to feature in Wednesday’s game.
