It is expected that Chelsea are going to make wholesale changes to their squad for the upcoming Conference League game against Astana on Thursday night.
The Blues will be travelling for more than 6,000km for the game, with temperatures expected to reach around -11 degrees.
For this reason it is thought that Enzo Maresca will take no chances with his squad for this game. As many as eight debuts could be made against Astana.
The competition has usually been used for the fringe players to make their mark, with Premier League appearances not always been easy to come by.
One player who has utilised his minutes well is Benoit Badiashile, and his good performances in Europe saw him named in the starting side for the huge game against Tottenham.
Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea looks on, inside the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC at Tottenham...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Benoit Badiashile unsure if he will play vs Astana
Jamie Redknapp said he felt Badiashile looked uncomfortable on the right of the defensive two, however things got a lot better when he was moved to his preferred side in the second half.
The Frenchman has admitted he is unsure if he will be able to carry on his run of appearances in Europe.
He said to NBC Sports: “I don’t know [if I’ll be on the plane] You have to ask the boss. It’s far, far away.”
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Chelsea’s search for Wesley Fofana injury replacement
Since Wesley Fofana limped off just over a week ago, Maresca has started three different centre-backs as well as Levi Colwill to try and work out who would be best placed to start in his place.
The boss should look to recall Tosin Adarabioyo when they return to Premier League action at the weekend against Brentford.
Thursday’s Conference League game could see Axel Disasi named at the back, and the lack of first team players expected to play could actually see him captain the side in Kazakhstan.
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