Chelsea supporters on social media are crossing their fingers to see Xavier Mbuyamba finally appear for the first team against Aston Villa tonight.
Mbuyamba was once again spotted training with Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the League Cup clash at Stamford Bridge this evening.
The young Dutchman made the step up from his development quarters during the international break.
Evidently he made an impression on Tuchel as he invited the 19-year-old back into the fold to rub shoulders with his array of illustrious internationals on their return.
If there was ever a good opportunity to hand the defender his senior Blues debut, it would be tonight.
That was the thought process of Chelsea fans too, who want Mbuyamba to at least be offered a few minutes versus Villa.
Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:
Vying for a Villa ticket
If Mbuyamba is to feature at all, it’s likely to be from the bench.
Unless Tuchel has hatched a master plan, the teenager needs to earn his stripes before replacing one of the older tribesmen.
Although Chelsea can afford to rest several key troopers, they still have plenty of quality in reserve to call on.
Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Ben Chilwell were all rested for the Tottenham Hotspur victory last weekend, three players Mbuyamba would have to compete with in defence.
That’s not to mention Malang Sarr, who’s in desperate need of some game time after failing to find a loan move in the summer.
Ross Barkley and Lewis Baker also fit into this bracket, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi certainly have a point to prove.
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