Five players that could make Chelsea debut vs Tottenham as Pochettino makes drastic squad decision

For many, it has come months too late, but Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Chelsea will now have to turn to academy youngsters as they prepare to take on Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. After losing both Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva to injury there are just 11 available senior players.

Within that group is 20-year-old Alfie Gilchrist, who has one start. He was part of the Under-21s cohort when the season began.

The average age of what is almost certain to be the starting XI is 22. Only three of those players had made a senior appearance for the club before 2023.

The fitness issues that have ravaged the squad are, even for Chelsea, at a now staggering level. In 12 of their 34 league games this season 10 or more players have been on the pre-match injury list. With five games to go and just over three weeks to play them, it is possible that as many as nine players won't feature again this season at all.

Having named a bench with five teenagers and an average age of 20.6 (including a 31-year-old) against Aston Villa last time out, things look likely to be even less experienced at SW6 here. Chelsea's substitute options have often been baby-faced the visit of Tottenham might see things go a step further.

From the matchday squad against Villa, there are another two players missing. "No good news because we cannot recover any players from the list but have added Thiago [Silva] and [Axel] Disasi, they will not be available for tomorrow," explained Pochettino.

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It leaves just 11 of the 25 players to have started a league game for the club this season in contention to start. That will surely be the team that Pochettino selects, but another two spots on the bench will be free.

Fortunately, Cobham is continuing to bring through a staggering level and volume of talented players. Already this season Josh-Kofi Acheampong (17), Ted Curd (18), Lucas Bergstrom (21), Max Merrick (18), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (21), Josh Brooking (21), Billy Gee (18), Leo Castledine (18), Dylan Williams (20), Ronnie Stutter (19), Kiano Dyer (17), Tyrique George (18), Michael Golding (17) and Jimi Tauriainen (20), have made the bench in league or cup matches, at least.

Golding, Tauriainen, and Castledine have all followed in Gilchrist's footsteps, making their debuts. Others have simply been part of the squad for matches but not picked to get onto the field. Many more have trained with the first team at times with varying levels of consistency.

This doesn't include those that have been signed under the new owners either. Ollie Harrison (16), Ishe Samuels-Smith (17), Mason Burstow (20), Alex Matos (19), Deivid Washington (18), Diego Moreira (19), and Cesare Casadei (21), have all had similar experiences of being in squads and some of getting onto the pitch too.

Against Tottenham, it is from this group that Pochettino is likely to select two more to venture up to the senior side on a matchday. It also hasn't been uncommon for some players to travel with the group to matches even if not being named in the squad as well.

"I think it will be good, a nice game to play because it is an opportunity for some kids to be on the bench and have the possibility maybe to play," the head coach explained. "When this opportunity appears, it is to be conscious, step up and for the kids to say, 'I am here and I want to be there, to play for the first-team of Chelsea.' I think it is a great opportunity and for sure it is going to be a great game."

In recent matches, George, Dyer, and Acheampong have been making the bench anwyay but are yet to be given a debut. Curd has also taken the place as third-choice goalkeeper, whilst Washington and Casadei are now regulars in the senior squad even if not turned too all that often.

George, in particular, is a player of immense promise. He has scored nine times and assisted five in 12 Under-18 Premier League matches along with impressive numbers from the FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2 as well. As a tricky winger, he represents England at the age-group level too.

With the Under-18s he has led them to the top of the table, close to clinching the Southern title. They could end up playing Northern League winners Manchester United in the final.

As for Acheampong, he signed a new deal with the club earlier this season and is a versatile full-back able to play on either side. He is another standout with the junior Three Lions but has played less Under-21 football compared to George this season, albeit he is younger.

Dyer, the final relatively unknown name from the group against Aston Villa still waiting for a debut, is in a similar camp. He joined from West Brom'sacademy in 2021 but has played almost only Under-21 football this season.

As a nimble midfielder, he offers a range of passing from deep. Dyer is another that represents England's youth sides.

This trio would logically be the next in line to make a debut having spent time most recently in the squad on a matchday. Castledine is one of the top performers across the academy sides this year so may well get the nod but Williams and Gee both offer defensive options to Pochettino.

Gee, in particular, is of note having been called up to the squad for the Carabao Cup final. He captains the Under-21s. Perhaps the biggest name not yet to get a chance is Donnell McNeilly.

The 18-year-old forward has had maybe the best individual season of any Chelsea player at the club across all sides. Yes, even better than Cole Palmer and Lauren James. With 29 goals across all competitions - including the step to Premier League 2 - he has, in no uncertain terms, been bossing it.

In 16 Under-18 starts he scored 20 goals including five braces and a hat-trick. Capable of playing across the frontline, McNeilly has as good of a case as anyone to be involved against Tottenham in some way.

Other players in form the Under-21s and Under-18s are Frankie Runham - another to have recently penned a new deal - and summer signing Dujuan Richards. Neither have made their debut or been on the bench for the first team just yet. Brodi Hughes has been in training in the past week and is another that could be in the mix.

Having come up short against Jurgen Klopp's kids in the League Cup, which saw the manager put under immense scrutiny for failing to make better use of often outperforming Cobham stars of his own, there is no choice this time. Chelsea have already handed out plenty of debuts this year due to what Pochettino terms 'the circumstances' and at least two more are in the frame here.