'Definitely' – McFarlane promises squad decision that will make Chelsea fans very happy after injuries

Chelsea could turn to their academy for attacking talents as the first team squad reaches rock bottom after more injuries.

Calum McFarlane admitted that he could be forced to add some youth talent to his bench as Chelsea’s attacking options narrowed further this week.

Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho have been added to the injured list, which already has Estevao and Jamie Gittens on it. Those absences brought Jesse Derry into the picture on Monday, but he was off injured before half time.

Mheuka could finally get his chance after injury spate

Asked if he would consider some youngsters coming in to fill the bench, the caretaker admitted it was a serious option:

“There’s a lot of young talent in Cobham. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for six months. So, I know them really well. They’re training with us all the time. They could definitely make a step up.”

Top of the list is surely goal machine Shim Mheuka, who has just been nominated for the PL2 player of the year. While he’s not a wide attacker, he can at least take Liam Delap’s spot on the bench, with Delap likely to lead the line and Joao Pedro play deeper or out wide.

Mheuka is being lined up for a loan this summer, although you’ll forgive us for not being too confident the club will make a good call on that front.

Joao Pedro has been linked with a move away from Chelsea – and a former Blue is telling him to make the jump if he can.