Callum Hudson-Odoi could be given another chance to impress Thomas Tuchel in Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old, who at first looked to be one of the main beneficiaries of the German’s appointment, was substituted just 30 minutes after coming on in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Since moving into a wing-back role, Hudson-Odoi has started five of Chelsea’s seven games under Tuchel and was introduced off the bench for the other two.
At St Mary’s, he was chosen to replace Tammy Abraham, who had recently recovered from an ankle problem.
Post-match, Tuchel admitted he was unhappy with the midfielder’s “energy and attitude” in a game in which he believed counter-pressing was paramount, but he has since hinted he will give Hudson-Odoi an opportunity to redeem himself against Atletico in a tie taking place in Bucharest due to travel restrictions.
“Callum has been fantastic for me so far and it’s on him to show me that every game and every day in training,” Tuchel said. “I want him to show me that he is a reliable guy for the team when he comes on from the bench, like he is when he starts.
“He has started a lot of games for me and in this instance, he has taken a hard decision. Now he must swallow it and come into training ready to work ahead of Atletico, a game which he has every chance of starting.”
The draw at St Mary’s was the first time Chelsea have dropped points under Tuchel since the opening night of his reign against Wolves.
It is still expected that he will persevere with largely the same line-up against Atletico, operating at almost full strength against La Liga’s current leaders. Diego Simeone’s side only won two of their group stage matches, but enjoy a three-point lead over Real Madrid domestically.
Chelsea will be boosted by the return of Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic, who are both back in training after suffering knocks.
Thiago Silva has stayed behind to continue his rehabilitation due to a muscular problem. Kurt Zouma could retain his place despite receiving criticism for his role in Takumi Minamino’s goal at the weekend.
Atletico will be missing a number of key men, including Jose Gimenez, Yannick Carrasco, Sime Vrsaljko, and Hector Herrera. Luis Suarez and Joao Felix are set to lead the Rojiblancos in attack.
A competition which so often provided respite for Frank Lampard, however insufficient his European comforts proved to be, now presents Tuchel with the biggest challenge of his short tenure so far.
Chelsea’s predicted XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Abraham, Werner
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