Maurizio Sarri has given Chelsea fans an encouraging Callum Hudson-Odoi update ahead of their game with Brighton - confirming he's in line to start either on Wednesday night or on Monday.
The 18-year-old made his debut for England in the international break but was left on the bench as the Blues struggled in South Wales during a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City on Sunday.
Sarri had said before that that Hudson-Odoi would start a lot of their games in April such is the fixture pile up that Chelsea face with Premier League and Europa League ties, but the youngster is still looking for his first Premier League start for the side.
Sarri transcript: Every word from Chelsea boss on starting Hudson-Odoi, fan criticism & more
It has left fans frustrated - they want to see the wonderkid starting for the Blues and he could well get that chance on Wednesday night when Brighton visit, with Sarri confirming that Hudson-Odoi will start either tomorrow night or on Monday when West Ham visit Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of the game, Sarri said: "First of all, in pre-season after four or five training sessions, I realised that Callum was really a player with a very great potential.
"In my opinion, in that moment, he wasn't ready to play at this level. But during the season, he has improved. And now he's ready to play.
"But I decided at the beginning of the season that he had to stay with us, and I put him in the squad. So I know very well Callum, and I want him to improve more because the potential is higher. And Callum is always in my mind. In my opinion, he is our future.
"Now he's ready to play. Probably he will start tomorrow or in the next match.
"Firstly I want to see the condition of all the players. The condition of Willy, Pedro, Eden, all the wingers. But of course, he is in my mind."
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