Carney Chukwuemeka hopes he can join Chelsea youngsters Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson in making their mark on the first-team during the club’s injury crisis.
Mason Mount sat out Thursday’s defeat to Manchester City before Chukwuemeka was called upon after only five minutes at Stamford Bridge when Raheem Sterling went off injured.
The winger’s apparent hamstring issue, which was followed by Christian Pulisic being forced off, tallied Chelsea’s fitness issues to ten players.
“At times it can be a bit nerve-wracking,” Chukwuemeka told Sky Sports. “But you just have to switch on and get your mind in the game, see how I can help the team.
“I feel like, because of how young I am, when I get on the pitch I don’t have anything to lose so I can just express myself. It’s the same for Omari and Lewis, they played really well when they came on so it’s just about keeping working.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to try to break into the team because of the injuries, just keep doing what we’re doing.”
Chukwuemeka almost broke the deadlock in a positive display for Chelsea, hitting the post in the first half.
“My heart skipped, literally, as I took the shot,” he added.
“I thought it was in but obviously not meant to be today, I’ve just got to keep working and hopefully it’ll come in the next few games.”
