Chelsea team news: Callum Hudson-Odoi set for first Premier League start after impressing Maurizio Sarri

The 18-year-old has impressed but has seen his playing time restricted to cameo appearances from the bench

Callum Hudson-Odoi looks set to make his first Premier League start against Brighton on Wednesday night.

The 18-year-old has impressed this season but has seen his playing time restricted to cameo appearances from the bench with his only starts to date coming in the Europa League.

Gareth Southgate saw fit to start him against Montenegro in England's Euro 2020 qualifier last month but up to now manager Maurizio Sarri has remained unmoved.

But ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge the Italian has hinted that might be about to change either on Wednesday or against West Ham on Monday.

"First of all, the beginning of the season in pre-season after four or five training sessions I realised that Callum was really a player with a great potential," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"In my opinion, in that moment, he wasn't ready to play at this level. But during this season he has improved and now he's ready to play.

"I know Callum very well and I want him to improve more because his potential is high and Callum is always in my mind.

"In my opinion, he is our future and now he is ready to play. Probably he will start tomorrow or in the next match."