Chelsea news: Highly-rated youngster Ethan Ampadu trains with first team ahead of Carabao Cup clash against Nottingham Forest
The talented 17-year-old - joined by the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi - is yet to feature for the Blues since joining from Exeter City in the summer
CHELSEA prospect Ethan Ampadu was a surprise inclusion amongst the first team squad today as he trained ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash.
Antonio Conte could be set to hand the talented 17-year-old a place his Blues debut when Nottingham Forest travel to Stamford Bridge.
Fresh from their 0-0 draw with London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, the Italian boss pushed his group of stars to the limit at their Cobham training centre.
Despite the likes of Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas all put through their paces, you can be sure Conte will rotate his team with one eye on Stoke City on Saturday.
This will give the likes of Ampadu - brought in from Exeter City in the summer - to announce himself to the Chelsea faithful.
The defensive midfielder - a Welsh youth international - made 13 appearances for The Grecians last season, becoming their youngest ever player in the process.
It was in the League Cup that he made his first team debut at the age of 15 years, ten months and 26 days against Brentford.
And he could find himself on the bench next to fellow youngsters Charly Musonda and Jake Clarke-Salter who trained today.
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Hazard could find himself in the starting XI as he looks to build up his fitness after an ankle injury.
While summer signings Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Davide Zappacosta are vying to start against the Reds.
David Luiz is out of contention after picking up a red card against the Gunners, leaving the former Roma central-defender as the perfect replacement.
Striker Michy Batshuayi should replace Alvaro Morata up front, while ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is in line to make his Chelsea debut.
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