Chelsea add 11 academy stars to Conference League squad with kids set to face -21C temperatures and 7,000-mile trip
CHELSEA could take 11 academy stars on the 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan as they prepare to face Astana in temperatures of -21C.
The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in the Conference League after winning all four of their fixtures to sit in first place in the League Phase.
And the West Londoners have done so without some big names such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and star man Cole Palmer, who were left out in manager Enzo Maresca's bid to manage a busy fixtures list.
Palmer and Co can still play in the competition during the knockout stages, but Maresca wishes to rest players who will also have to compete in the summer's controversial Club World Cup.
Cesare Casadei was also sent off with two yellow cards at Heidenheim two weeks ago, which has led to fewer senior choices.
The Italian tactician has placed faith in youth during the European campaign and will do the same against Astana, in a match that kicks off at 3.30pm UK time.
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There is no official confirmation as to how many academy players will be flying, but 11 of them are currently listed in Chelsea's updated squad.
Those are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Harrison McMahon, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Josh Acheampong, Shumaira Mheuka and Richard Olise.
One of the names may sound familiar as Olise is the brother of ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich.
Astana could mark senior debuts for Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Dyer, Ampah, Mheuka, Olise and Merrick.
And fans will be hoping the don't freeze in the spotlight as temperatures in Astana are expected to drop to -21C on Thursday when the two teams face off at the Pavlodar Central Stadium.
When Chelsea started in the competition, only five were named in the squad - Acheampong, Dyer, George, McMahon and Merrick.
The Premier League giants are allowed to add an unlimited number of youngsters from their esteemed Cobham academy to their squad's B list whenever they wish.