Chelsea go into their last Conference League group game knowing that they have already comfortably booked their place in the next round of the competition.
The Blues are the only unbeaten side in the competition this season so far, and this has come despite resting most of their top first team players for all of their games so far.
Enzo Maresca has recently turned to some of his academy stars to give them their chance to prove that they can have a future with the first team.
The last game against Astana saw eight academy players feature, with Josh Acheampong taking his chance to impress on the big stage.
The shirts of Pedro Neto, Renato Veiga, Richard Olise and Ato Ampah of Chelsea are seen inside the dressing room prior to the UEFA Conference Leagu...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea should start Richard Olise in Conference League vs Shamrock Rovers
One player who travelled to that game however didn’t feature was Richard Olise, who has featured as a defender in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
The brother of Bayern Munich star Michael, the 20-year-old has the chance to feature this week when they take on Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.
The opportunity to feature has come about as a result of somewhat of an injury crisis at the back in the first team squad.
The likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi have been handed regular appearances in Europe this season, although their presence may well be needed domestically in the near future.
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Chelsea’s defensive injury crisis
Reece James and Wesley Fofana look set to be out for the remainder of 2024 at least, and they will be missing a number of other defenders for their next Premier League game against Everton.
Benoit Badiashile looks set for some time out due to injury, whilst Marc Cucurella will be suspended after his red card against Brentford.
The Spaniard is therefore likely to start at the back against Shamrock, and will bring an experience level that will certainly help a player like Olise if he is brought in for his Chelsea debut.