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Alonso taps academy teens for Chelsea midfield
6 Sep
Summary
- Alonso confident in Chelsea's midfield depth for derby.
- Two 16-year-old academy players may feature.
- Key midfielders are injured or injury doubts.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that promising academy talents Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli could be integrated into the first-team squad. The young midfielders, both 16, have impressed during Chelsea's pre-season tours and may provide crucial depth for the team's midfield.
Alonso's confidence in his squad's midfield options comes despite the club's inability to secure a replacement for Enzo Fernandez on transfer deadline day. The manager cited the diverse qualities and growing maturity of players like Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson, though Henderson is currently sidelined with an injury.
Further complicating midfield selection, key players Reece James and Moises Caicedo are experiencing fitness issues. Caicedo was forced off against Brighton and is considered an injury doubt, while Romeo Lavia, a summer signing, has been plagued by injuries since joining in 2023, impacting his availability this season.
