Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is considering handing a young academy striker a starting opportunity in the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 against Copenhagen, depending on the level of rotation he opts for.

With Nicolas Jackson still sidelined, Chelsea have struggled in front of goal, making this a potential chance for one of the club’s exciting youth prospects to step up.

Shumaira Mheuka, who nearly became the quickest debutant to score in Premier League history when he came on against Southampton, has already made an appearance in the Conference League this season.

Meanwhile, Donnel McNeilly, who has been in sensational goal-scoring form for the academy, is patiently awaiting his first-team opportunity.

However, Chelsea could also stick with Pedro Neto in the No.9 role, as the Portuguese winger has impressed in that position in the last two Premier League matches.

With Maresca needing to balance squad rotation and attacking efficiency, it remains to be seen whether he trusts an academy talent or continues with Neto up front for this crucial European tie.