Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca called off the first team’s planned rest day following a 3-0 loss to the club’s under-21 side during a training game.
The senior players, including those coming back from international duty, were outperformed during a brief practice session, with 19-year-old Donnell McNeilly netting two goals.
The under-21 team even fielded some under-16 players. Maresca’s action comes amidst Chelsea’s struggles for form, having suffered recent defeats to Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Brighton.
Despite this, the Blues are still in the running for a top-five finish and have ongoing participation in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
On a brighter note, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke made a comeback to training which will bolster the team ahead of important matches.
Palmer, who leads Chelsea’s scoring charts this season with 14 goals and six assists, has not found the net since January 14. Meanwhile, Madueke has been recovering from a hamstring injury since February.
Chelsea face Tottenham on Thursday before a London derby against Brentford, followed by their Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warszawa.
