Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has shared his preparation during the pre-season which could help him cement his spot in his preferred position under Thomas Tuchel.
The 21-year-old missed 14 consecutive games during his two-month Achilles tendon injury absence in the second half of last season.
As a result, he made just 11 starts in the Premier League last term and played his last game of the season in the FA Cup fifth-round win over Luton Town in early March.
Hudson-Odoi is understandably hungry for more action ahead of the 2022/23 season and is looking forward to getting more chances in his favourite left winger position.
“I want to be playing as much as possible,” the young winger told Chelsea’s official website.
“Regular football brings out the consistency, so I want to just keep playing and playing as much as I can.
“Playing those 10 out of 11 games [between January and March] in my preferred position on the left side was massive for me because that’s where I know I can be at my best and do what I do as much as possible.”
Hudson-Odoi several weeks ahead of others in preparation for new season
Hudson-Odoi is not just waiting for Tuchel to give him the opportunity, however, as he has been working hard in the gym to improve his chances.
“My main goal this summer and throughout the season is to be stronger,” he explained.
“There were times in the season last year when I was running with the ball and feeling like I could get barged off it or I’m not as strong as I thought I was.
“I’ve been putting more muscle on in training to make sure I’m getting bigger so when the opponents come, I know that I’m strong enough to hold them off, or that I won’t get barged, and I can barge them instead.”
The Chelsea academy graduate also added that he only had a one-week break this summer and has been preparing for the new season for the last five, six weeks.
Obviously, he will still face competition from the likes of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Mason Mount or perhaps even potential new signings, such as Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly close to joining Chelsea.
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