Enzo Maresca has admitted that he is going to need to rotate a number of key players for Chelsea’s League Cup tie against Wolves, and the opportunity is there for one of Cobham’s brightest stars to make his mark.
Maresca has made it clear that his players are struggling with fitness in the early stages of the 2025/26 season, with Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill being long-term absentees.
The manager admitted that Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro are likely to miss the Wolves clash due to them needing to rest ahead of a busy schedule of games.
Both central midfielders missing will open up chances for Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia, however the desire to protect the Belgian for important outings could also see him not named in the starting side.
Chelsea Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reggie Walsh has just been given perfect chance to start for Chelsea vs Wolves
Reggie Walsh is another option who could play in the heart of midfield, and he is clearly impressing Maresca with the work he is doing as part of the academy.
Walsh became Chelsea’s youngest Champions League appearance maker last week against Ajax, and he already has a number of appearances under his belt as a first team player.
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Only one of these has come from the start though in the Conference League last season, and the next logical stage of Walsh’s development is for him to start a game for the Blues.
Walsh has signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, and in order for the club to continue to show that there is a pathway for him at Stamford Bridge.
Reggie Walsh poses after signing his first professional contract with Chelsea.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Walsh already has key admirer at Cobham
The 17-year-old’s appearances for the Under 21s have not gone unnoticed, as well as his sporadic minutes for the first team.
John Terry has been full of praise for Walsh during his development years, and was in attendance to watch him find the net against Arsenal at the weekend.
Walsh looks to be Chelsea’s shining light in the academy right now, and after being stung with the exit of Rio Ngumoha last year they need to give these players the appropriate chances to succeed.
Risking Lavia is far too important for the future of the Blues this season, and there is likely no better opponent than the side who are bottom of the Premier League to give Walsh this responsibility