Chelsea are preparing for their return to European football with the Conference League Round of 16 tie against Copenhagen.
The first leg is in Denmark, and Enzo Maresca has named a strong squad for the first knockout round of the competition.
Chelsea topped the group stage part of the tournament, and the manager utilised the competition to give minutes to some of his fringe players.
However, the likes of Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi and Joao Felix have all left on loan, and are unable to feature.
Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo could be amongst those who are set to make their first appearance in the Conference League in Denmark, and there is a significant injury boost for the Blues too.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca makes mistake by leaving Samuel Rak-Sakyi out of Chelsea Conference League squad
Maresca confirmed three Chelsea players were fit again after injuries, with him welcoming back Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, who has not travelled.
From the list of players named for the trip to Copenhagen, one omission from the group stage portion is Samuel Rak-Sakyi.
The young midfielder has played in four Conference League games so far this season, starting in the freezing conditions against Astana.
Rak-Sakyi stats Date Opposition Score Mins
Group Stage 11/7/24 H FC Noah 8:0 11′
Group Stage 11/28/24 A Heidenheim 0:2 1′
Group Stage 12/12/24 A FC Astana 1:3 86′
Group Stage 12/19/24 H Shamrock Rovers 5:1 7′
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Rak-Sakyi misplaced just one pass against Astana, and has impressed whenever given the opportunity by Maresca.
With new summer signing Mathis Amougou named in the squad in his place, many will be wondering what exactly the reason is that meant the Cobham graduate wasn’t selected.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Rak-Sakyi’s bad luck continues
Despite impressing for the academy, opportunities to feature in competitions outside of the Conference League have been difficult to come by for Rak-Sakyi this season.
He has only been named on the bench once in the Premier League this season, with that coming during the win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
He was supposed to be in the squad for an FA Cup game against Morecambe, however illness sidelined Rak-Sakyi ahead of his big domestic moment.
With it looking like he is out of the plans for the Conference League this season, the midfielder’s best bet at minutes of any capacity this season will be with the Chelsea U21s.