Speaking to the media during his pre-Manchester United press conference, Chelsea’s assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has opened up on Callum Hudson-Odoi’s situation at Stamford Bridge amid Bayern Munich links.
The Italian said: “He is always on the edge of the team, when there is an opportunity he plays. The manager is giving him reasons to feel involved and wanted.
“There are not many 18-year-olds that play as much, there might be one. We appreciate him as a player, Maurizio Sarri likes him, the whole coaching group likes him. He is surrounded by top players, he can still improve and do better.”
However, Zola is unsure whether the young striker is going to feature against Man United in the FA Cup on Monday. Despite the fact that a few players will be rested, Hudson-Odoi is not guaranteed a starting XI spot.
Zola continued: “We are going to have to assess a few players, Ruben Loftus-Cheek might be available. But it is the fifth round of the FA Cup, we want to win and it will be a strong team. We haven’t made a full consideration yet. It is only Friday.
“We have no injuries. We were able to rest some players last night. No concerns, because yesterday I was pleased with Giroud’s goal because Higuain came in and he has been left out a little, but I was pleased to see him score.”
Do you want him leave ?