Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has admitted he would not be surprised if Callum Hudson-Odoi is named in the starting eleven for the EFL Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday.
Hudson-Odoi, who was the subject of concrete interest from Bayern Munich in January, has struggled for regular involvement in the first team during recent months.
However, the highly-rated winger started and scored during a 3-0 win for Chelsea in their Europa League round of 32 second leg clash against Malmo at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
And in the wake of his impressive display against the Swedish outfit, Sinclair feels that Hudson-Odoi could be picked for a start against Manchester City.
The former Chelsea star insisted the cup final would be a great chance for Hudson-Odoi to shine, especially considering he is unlikely to feature against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next week.
“I wouldn't be surprised if Callum starts on Sunday”, Sinclair told Chelsea TV after the match.
“He's not going to start against Tottenham, so you look at it and working backwards from that Tottenham game.
“I think, get him out there, it's a great opportunity for him to play in a cup final.”
Sinclair went on to claim that the league game against Tottenham is more important than the final, but stressed he cannot play down the importance of winning a trophy either.
“I think it's [the team Sarri will play] a second string team, but you go strong enough to try and win the competition”, he continued.
“Then you get the big boys out for the game on Wednesday.
“I am not playing down the importance of winning a trophy; I won that trophy twice.
“But for me next Wednesday is more important.”
Hudson-Odoi, who is out of contract in the summer of 2020, has yet to make a decision on committing his long-term future to Chelsea.
