Chelsea have strengthened their UEFA Conference League squad by adding academy prospects Reggie Walsh (16) and Genesis Antwi (17) ahead of Thursday’s last-16 second-leg match against Copenhagen.
Walsh, a central midfielder, could become the club’s second-youngest debutant if he features, while right-back Antwi has made limited appearances in Premier League 2 this season.
Manager Enzo Maresca has consistently used the competition to introduce young talent, with several Cobham graduates already making their debuts.
The squad for December’s match against FC Astana featured seven academy players, including Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, who are now involved in Premier League matchday squads.
Opportunities for debuts seem more likely as Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku are all fitness doubts.
James and Palmer have battled illness this week, with the latter playing through a fever in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Leicester, while Nkunku’s issue remains unclear.
Both Walsh and Antwi have been training with the first team alongside fellow youngsters Shumaira Mheuka (17) and Harrison Murray-Campbell (18).
If Chelsea secure progression after their 2-1 first-leg victory, they will face either Legia Warszawa or FK Molde in the quarter-finals, with Molde currently leading 3-2 on aggregate.
