Chelsea played Brighton and Hove Albion in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, September 17, in the absence of the Blues' clash with Liverpool, football.london understands. The west Londoners were set to welcome Jurgen Klopp's side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, September 18, but the Premier League clash was postponed and rescheduled for a later date due to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday.
It's understood that those who featured midweek in the Champions League bout against RB Salzburg didn't appear at the Amex Stadium where the game was played. Chelsea won 2-1, with both goals coming from Carney Chukwuemeka, who is yet to make his debut for the club since joining from Aston Villa in the summer for a deal worth £20million.
The 18-year-old will likely have impressed on the south coast, handing Graham Potter food for thought when Chelsea's midfield is facing an increasingly uncertain future. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante each see their deals expire next summer, with Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all set to leave via a free transfer the following year.
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With Potter penning a five-year deal upon his arrival at Chelsea and many of the current midfielders nearing departures, Chukwuemeka is set for a bright future at the club. And, two goals against the Seagulls could be enough to earn teenage sensation an opportunity under the 47-year-old.
Speaking to the club website upon the midfielder's arrival, Todd Boehly named Chukwuemeka as one of Europe's leading talents. The American billionaire said: "Carney is one of the most exciting young players in Europe, so we are really looking forward to seeing him in action at Stamford Bridge. We are delighted to be able to bring him to Chelsea and add such a talented young individual to our squad for the new season and beyond."
Then speaking on his own arrival, Chukwuemeka said: "It's been quite hectic, but I couldn't get Chelsea out of my head the last few days, so I'm just happy and relieved that it's all done. I'm so excited and just can't wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea."
If Potter is to reward the youngster, then he could pick up first-team minutes against Crystal Palace on October 1 after the international break.
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