Head coach Graham Potter has hinted that Chelsea youngsters Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson could be given an opportunity against Manchester City in the EFL Cup.
Having played 11 matches since October 1, the Blues have started to show signs of tiredness in recent games at a time when they have continued to suffer significant injuries.
N'Golo Kante, Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell are all sidelined, as his first-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Mateo Kovacic has been contending with issues with his calf.
On the back of losing to Arsenal on Sunday, Chelsea now face Man City on Wednesday evening before playing a key Premier League fixture away at Newcastle United three days later.
Like he did against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League last week, Potter is expected to name a team full of first-team and international players for the game at the Etihad Stadium.
Nevertheless, the Englishman has acknowledged that Hall and Hutchinson will both feature in his squad for the encounter in the North West.
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Speaking to reporters, Potter said: "He's in the squad [Hutchinson], Lewis Hall is in the squad. They've impressed and they're in the squad and will be involved."
Hutchinson made the surprise switch from Arsenal to Chelsea during the summer and has since contributed six goals and six assists from 14 appearances.
The 19-year-old playmaker had been in line to go on international duty with Jamaica until Chelsea requested that he remained with his club.
Meanwhile, Hall gets another chance with the senior group after starring in an FA Cup tie with Chesterfield at the beginning of the year.
The 18-year-old, who can play at left-back or in central midfield, has made 19 outings for Chelsea younger crop this campaign, chipping in with five goals and five assists.
Potter also added that Jorginho is unlikely to travel with the rest of the squad after suffering a "slight problem with his foot".
Darren Plant
