Chelsea add 11 academy stars to Conference League squad with kids set to face -21C temperatures and 7,000-mile trip
CHELSEA could take 11 academy stars on the 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan as they prepare to face Astana in temperatures of -21C.
The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in the Conference League after winning all four of their fixtures to sit in first place in the League Phase.
And the West Londoners have done so without some big names such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and star man Cole Palmer, who were left out in manager Enzo Maresca's bid to manage a busy fixtures list.
Palmer and Co can still play in the competition during the knockout stages, but Maresca wishes to rest players who will also have to compete in the summer's controversial Club World Cup.
Cesare Casadei was also sent off with two yellow cards at Heidenheim two weeks ago, which has led to fewer senior choices.
The Italian tactician has placed faith in youth during the European campaign and will do the same against Astana, in a match that kicks off at 3.30pm UK time.
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There is no official confirmation as to how many academy players will be flying, but 11 of them are currently listed in Chelsea's updated squad.
Those are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Harrison McMahon, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Josh Acheampong, Shumaira Mheuka and Richard Olise.
One of the names may sound familiar as Olise is the brother of ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich.
Astana could mark senior debuts for Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Dyer, Ampah, Mheuka, Olise and Merrick.
And fans will be hoping the don't freeze in the spotlight as temperatures in Astana are expected to drop to -21C on Thursday when the two teams face off at the Pavlodar Central Stadium.
When Chelsea started in the competition, only five were named in the squad - Acheampong, Dyer, George, McMahon and Merrick.
The Premier League giants are allowed to add an unlimited number of youngsters from their esteemed Cobham academy to their squad's B list whenever they wish.
Chelsea ratings vs Tottenham
CHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,
Here's how the Blues players rated...
Robert Sanchez - 4
The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.
Not an awful lot he could've done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.
Moises Caicedo - 6
Chelsea's best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.
Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.
Benoit Badiashile - 4
Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.
Often didn't help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.
Levi Colwill - 6
Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.
Didn't have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.
Marc Cucurella - 4
Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.
Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho's goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.
That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.
Romeo Lavia - 8
Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.
Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.
Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.
Enzo Fernandez (c) - 9
Didn't misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia - before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.
His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.
Pedro Neto - 7
A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer's deflected effort.
A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you're being critical.
Cole Palmer - 9
Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.
Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.
Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.
Jadon Sancho - 8
Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.
Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea's equaliser.
Nicolas Jackson - 6
Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.
Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.
SUBS…
Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5
Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.
However, still wasn't able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would've been looking for in this one.
Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)
Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.
Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would've liked.
Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)
Not enough time to impact the game in any way.
Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)
Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.
Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)
Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part.