Hudson-Odoi hit by another Chelsea blow as Sarri admits contract rebel may not play against Dynamo Kiev
The 18-year-old is set for a watching brief for the Europa League last-16 first leg at Stamford Bridge on Thursday
Sponsored by
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI is set to be snubbed by Maurizio Sarri for Chelsea's Europa League last-16 first leg against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday.
The 18-year-old has found regular opportunities hard to come by this season but usually features in Europe.
Just six of his 15 outings in all competitions have come from the start.
Hudson-Odoi has made six appearances in the continent's second tier club competition this term but is in line for a watching brief from the start this week.
Sarri said: "Callum is always in my mind in every match. I don’t know if tomorrow he will be on the pitch or not.
"I think also that you have to put less pressure on the young English player because they need to improve.
latest chelsea news
"I have never seen a player of 18 at the top.
"So Callum, as all the other young players in England, needs to improve in this moment.
"It’s very important for him to improve and then he will be able to be at the top when he’s 22 or 23, without pressure at the moment.
"I think you put too much pressure on the young English player.";
Despite the Italian's lowly opinion of the England Under-17 World Cup winner, Hudson-Odoi has impressed in his rare run-outs this season.
He produced an encouraging display off the bench against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
But he returned to his role on the sidelines as an unused substitute against Tottenham and Fulham.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich target Hudson-Odoi remains at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.
Chelsea are facing a transfer ban this summer which would prevent them from signing players.
Hudson-Odoi's contract runs out in 2020 and a new deal has not yet been agreed.
If the Blues have any ambition of getting a decent fee for the starlet they would surely have to sell at the end of the season, regardless of their ability to making signings.
Bayern had multiple bids turned down for the winger in January but SunSport understand they will reignite their interest in the summer - with a £25million bid understood to be in the pipeline.