Zola: Hudson-Odoi and Ampadu will get chances
Gianfranco Zola says it is only a question of time before youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu are given a run in the Chelsea side.
Both teenagers have been hugely impressive when selected for the first team but neither have featured so far this season.
However, they are both in Chelsea’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Liverpool and could feature at Anfield.
Zola said: “Callum has done extremely well. He’s one of the players that has probably impressed the most along with Ethan Ampadu.
“They are both players that have a bright future here. They are both in contention for tomorrow. They are both in the squad and we will see.
“Callum and Ethan are the future of this club and we are going to take care of them.”
Asked if Chelsea see Hudson-Odoi as potential first-team material, assistant boss Zola said: “Without a doubt. Don’t forget that when we played in the Community Shield he was put in front of players like Victor Moses.
“If he didn’t have value in our consideration then we wouldn’t have done that.
“He has a future but he’s in a very competitive team with a lot of players and he has also to be patient and wait for his opportunities and when they come then take them in the best way.”
Zola also believes Gary Cahill will get a chance to reclaim a regular place.
Defender Cahill, the Blues’ captain under boss Maurizio Sarri’s predecessor Antonio Conte, has been overlooked so far this season.
The frustrated Cahill recently revealed he plans to seek a move when the transfer window reopens in January if he is still not in Sarri’s side.
But Zola said: “It is totally understandable that Gary is upset. And we want him to be upset (about not playing). It means that he cares.
“But he’s being a top professional. He’s doing everything correctly and he just needs to be patient because he came (back from the World Cup) late and players that were here did very well.
“He will have his chances and then it’s down to him to take those chances in the best way.”
Zola also confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to miss Wednesday’s game because of injury, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said he will select “a really strong side” for the third-round tie.
