Chelsea are preparing for a relatively short journey within Poland as they get set to face Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
With a congested Premier League schedule piling on the pressure, head coach Enzo Maresca is once again facing a familiar dilemma: should he field his strongest lineup, or take the opportunity to give some of the club’s younger or less-utilized players a chance to shine? European competitions like the Conference League often serve as valuable platforms for emerging talents and fringe players to gain experience and confidence on a bigger stage.
One such youngster is Shumaira Mheuka, who recently made history as the youngest player to start a European match for Chelsea in their tie against FC Copenhagen. Though his performance was relatively quiet, his recent absence from the U21 squad suggests he may once again be included in the senior squad for the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, striker Samuel Rak-Sakyi is another exciting prospect who was spotted training with the first team ahead of their trip. The 20-year-old has already featured in the Conference League this season, starting in challenging, icy conditions against Astana—a match where several of Chelsea’s senior players were rested.