Liam Rosenior appears ready to fast-track Jesse Derry into Chelsea’s senior plans for the visit of Burnley, with the 18-year-old’s absence from Under-21s action clearing the way for him to cover the injured Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Chelsea are set to welcome Burnley to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League tomorrow afternoon, with the chance to go ahead of Manchester United, who play on Monday.
After a win over Hull City last night out, it has opened the door for a couple of newer faces to be in and around the first-team ranks. Shim Mheuka and Jesse Derry were both given a chance.
Derry has since trained with the first team, pointing towards an extended run in the senior ranks after an injury to winger Jamie Gittens.
And we got the biggest clue yet that Derry is set to be involved with the first team after being absent from Chelsea’s Under-21 squad to face Leeds United.
Should Mamadou Sarr start tomorrow vs Burnley?🤔
Mamadou Sarr in his Chelsea training top at Cobham as he begins to make an impression on the coaching staff.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jesse Derry missing from the Chelsea Under-21 clash
The Chelsea Under-21 side repeated what the first team did only recently in their clash against Leeds United, as they threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2.
A penny for Liam Rosenior‘s thoughts, who was spotted in the stands watching the Chelsea youngsters suffer the same fate.
But the interesting thing to come out of the game was Jesse Derry’s absence. Especially as Shim Mheuka was playing and scored in the draw.
It’s not confirmed that he’ll feature for the first team, but all the signs point towards him being in the squad to face Burnley.
What should Liam Rosenior do with Jesse Derry vs Burnley?👀
Jesse Derry set to be rewarded for Chelsea vs Burnley after missing from Under-21s clash
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Jesse Derry’s likely role against Burnley
The reasoning behind his inclusion may stem from a significant vacancy on the wings. With Jamie Bynoe-Gittens sidelined by a long-term hamstring injury, Liam Rosenior is short on natural width.
While Pedro Neto is likely to start on the left, Derry provides a high-energy option from the bench. His recent form, recording 11 goals and four assists across Chelsea’s youth levels this season, could be enough to persuade Rosenior to throw him in ahead of an inconsistent Alejandro Garnacho.
After all, Derry showed plenty of promise against Hull City and against a Burnley side down near the bottom of the table, it could be the perfect chance.
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