Charly Musonda will be handed a rare chance to impress Chelsea manager Antonio Conte against Everton – Celtic should be watching with interest.
Chelsea fans might have thought Charly Musonda had scuppered his own hopes of another chance at Stamford Bridge after he took to Instagram earlier this month to hit out at the club due to a lack of opportunities.
Musonda has been on the verge of the first-team picture all season and appeared to finally announce himself in the senior squad with a goal in his maiden start for the Premier League champions in last month’s 5-1 EFL Cup thrashing of Nottingham Forest.
The quick-footed Belgian, who took compatriot Eden Hazard’s old number 17 shirt in the summer, has struggled for opportunities in the Premier League this season however. Musonda has only played 26 minutes of top flight football, spread out over two substitute appearances.
Time to shine
Though Musonda will be handed a rare chance to impress Conte during Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash with Everton.
“I think for the game against Everton it is a good opportunity to give a chance to young players like Charly Musonda and Kenedy,” Conte told Chelsea’s official website.
“They are young but they deserve this chance because they are working very well, they are improving and to see the improvement during a tough game against Everton, I think is important for the club.”
With The Blues looking somewhat stale of late, a standout performance by Musonda against Premier League opposition may give Chelsea food for thought ahead of the January transfer window.
Musonda, after all, is more than good enough to add some much-needed depth to Chelsea’s attack. If he stars against Everton in midweek, Conte should perhaps reconsider letting the youngster leave on loan.
Celtic, who were disappointed to miss out on Musonda in the summer, will be watching the midweek cup tie with interest.
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