Liam Rosenior has shown he isn’t afraid to call upon youth ahead of his first game in charge of Chelsea.
Chelsea‘s FA Cup journey kicks off on Saturday evening against London rivals Charlton Athletic.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of side Liam Rosenior picks in his first game for the Blues, given that there’s an important clash with Arsenal coming up in the Carabao Cup.
We’ve predicted Chelsea’s XI to face Charlton and believe that he’ll turn to Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian as his young attackers.
With Enzo Maresca no longer at the helm, it’s a great opportunity for some of the fringe players and youngsters to really stake a claim under Rosenior.
Chelsea have lost three consecutive FA Cup finals! 😳
2022: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (Liverpool win 6-5 on penalties)
2021: Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City
2020: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
You’re now in Liam Rosenior’s shoes. Do you go strong in the competition this year or play a weakened side? Let us know below!
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior with hands in pocket and FA Cup trophy on display
Credit: Frederic DIDES / AFP/James Gill – Danehouse via Getty Images
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Jesse Derry spotted in Chelsea training
Liam Rosenior gave younger players like Mike Penders and Emanuel Emegha a chance at Strasbourg, and it paid off big time for him, so the same approach will likely be adopted at Chelsea.
Chelsea fans will be eager to see Estevao Willian under Rosenior after missing out on a place last time out against Fulham, with plenty to prove under his new boss.
But it seems as if it’s a Cobham wonderkid who could be set to leave his mark against Charlton, as Jesse Derry has been spotted in training images.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his debut in the first team, but he has made a massive impact this season for Calum McFarlane’s U21s and in the UEFA Youth League.
Netting 10 goals across all competitions this season, as well as scoring a hat-trick for England U19s in November 2025, and recently scored the winner in a 2-1 London Derby against Arsenal U21s.
Jesse Derry spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Charlton 👀
Which Cobham youngsters do you want to see given a chance under Rosenior?
Chelsea Training Session
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh were also spotted in training
Both Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh have already appeared in the first team at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.
The former has already featured this season, most notably coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup 3rd Round win over Lincoln City in September.
Walsh made history last season as the third-youngest player to ever represent Chelsea, making his debut in the UEFA Conference League at age 16. And this year, he has taken a massive step forward. His Champions League debut came in October 2025 during the 5-1 win over Ajax.
Both will be looking to work their way into the permanent plans of Rosenior.
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