Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will give youth its chance when Chelsea play MSK Zilina in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Blues need only one point from their penultimate Group F game to guarantee them top spot and they thrashed their opponents 4-1 in Slovakia earlier in the year.
Ancelotti will hand teenager Josh McEachran his first start while Jeffrey Bruma will replace Brazilian defender Alex, who requires knee surgery.
"Alex, I want to protect," said Ancelotti."We've postponed the surgery because his reaction was very good after the weekend. He didn't have a problem after the match at Birmingham City.
"He won't be involved. We want to protect him. Midfielder Michael Essien is not able to play because he's injured. He has a swollen toe.
"Bruma will play from the beginning, and also McEachran, Bruma at centre-back and McEachran as a holding midfielder.
"It is the time for McEachran to play. He's shown a good attitude and personality. It's a good moment for him. It's the time for him to have his chance."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email