It is likely that a number of fringe Chelsea players will be given an outing in a key European game on Thursday night when Conference League action returns to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will host Legia Warsaw in the second leg of the quarter-finals, defending a 3-0 lead which they earned in Poland last week.
The success story of the prior game was Tyrique George, who scored his first goal for the senior side, something that was predicted by Noni Madueke before the game even started.
The likes of Cole Palmer started the game in attempt to end his goalscoring woes, however it feels unlikely players of his quality will be risked from the offset given the position they have put themselves in the tie.
A number of academy prospects have been given their chance to impress at first team level via the competition this season, with it being where Josh Acheampong recieved extraordinary praise from Enzo Maresca.
Reggie Walsh in line for Chelsea debut in Conference League
The likes of Shumaira Mheuka, Kiano Dyer and Sam Rak-Sakyi have all featured at times, with the former likely to start after being handed the chance in the Round of 16 tie against Copenhagen.
16-year-old Reggie Walsh has not made an appearance for the first team as of yet, although it has been clear he has somewhat been in the thinking of Maresca this season.
Walsh has trained with the first team squad a number of times this season, and there is perhaps no better chance for him to feature than in a European tie which is pretty much over.
It looks as if the club have acknowledged this, and he has been seen in first team training ahead of Thursday’s game.
The youngster was not present for the U18s defeat to Fulham on Tuesday, suggesting he is about to be with the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge.
Who is Reggie Walsh?
The 16-year-old has been playing up at the Under 18s level this season, starring as a central midfielder for them.
He has scored three goals and contributed an assist in the U18 Premier League during this campaign, with Walsh scoring a last-minute winner at the weekend.
His brilliant displays have seen him also feature already for the England U17 side, with a Chelsea first team appearance certainly in the pipeline soon.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
