Chelsea fans to watch out for FOUR academy stars ahead of USA friendly

The Blues flew out to America just hours after their final Premier League game of the season, despite having the Europa League final to play in two weeks’ time.

They will take on New England on Wednesday night at 1am UK time, in a game raising awareness for anti-semitism.

Despite having to prepare for the Europa League final, Maurizio Sarri has taken a full-strength squad to the States, including want-away forward Eden Hazard as well as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Pedro and David Luiz.

The Italian is expected to give some minutes to youth players, as he has included Reece James and Trevor Chalobah in the travelling squad – both of whom spent the season out on loan – as well as Conor Gallagher who has impressed in the youth ranks.

And Azpilicueta told a press conference that he is excited to see those three youngsters make an impression in America, while also noting that Marc Guehi could be one to watch.

He said: ”We are excited to see Reece [James] and Trevor [Chalobah] back from their loan spells and Conor [Gallagher] who was named player of the year in the academy, Marc [Guehi] was on the bench in the last Premier League game.

“It’s important for them to get experience travelling with us and even play in a game.

“We are approaching our most important game of the season in Baku, but we are focused on keeping the good feelings in the team and to stay fit since it’s nearly two weeks until the final so we have to use it in the right way.”

Chelsea qualified for the Champions League after securing a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League, and could put the icing on the cake of a solid season by winning the Europa League.

They will face Arsenal in Baku later this month, and left-back Marcos Alonso insists the priority of his team-mates will be the final despite the motive behind their friendly fixture.

“We are focused on the final, but this is a good thing to do,” he said.

“Players have the power to be an example for society and it is good preparation for the Europa League final.

“It’s a pleasure to be here to play against one of the best teams in the MLS.”

Sarri had previously voiced his displeasure about having to travel to America for the friendly, and his squad indicated that he could be set to rest his first-team stars in favour of the youngsters.

“We have to recover energy because we are really very tired,” he told the BBC.

“Unfortunately we have to go to the United States. I think in this moment we need to rest then we have 10 days to prepare for the final.”

source: express.co.uk