With the squad now fully reunited at Cobham, Dan Hogan’s side return to Under-18 Premier League action with a London derby to come, which supporters can watch live free of charge via the Chelsea Official App and website.

The young Blues head into the fixture boosted by a dramatic late victory over Reading, where three goals arrived in the final six minutes of normal time. Chizaram Ezenwata and Jashayde Greenwood both struck before Barbour netted a 90th-minute winner to secure all three points.

That result marked Chelsea’s 13th league win of the campaign and leaves us second in the Under-18 Premier League southern table, four points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur but with two games in hand, keeping the title race firmly in our hands.

Following a training session with the group back together after international duty, Barbour reflected on the importance of the break and the focus within the squad.

'Training has been really positive,' he said. 'It was good to have some time to rest during the international break and spend time with my family, but now I feel refreshed and ready to go again.

'I’ve made sure to keep working during the break so I can stay fit and sharp. I feel in a good place physically and, with everyone back together, we’re fully focused on the game ahead.'

London derbies always bring an added level of intensity, something the winger is looking forward to as Chelsea prepare for another important challenge in a tightly contested league.

'I always look forward to London derbies,' he continued. 'They’re competitive and intense, which is exactly what you want as a player. There’s always an extra edge to those games and that makes them exciting to be involved in.

'As a team, we’ve been consistent and picking up positive results. Personally, I feel I’ve been performing well, though I always want to improve. I’d like to add more goals to my game and hopefully I can do that in the coming matches.'

The previous meeting between the two sides came on the opening day of the 2025/26 season, when Chelsea secured a 4-2 victory, with Barbour opening the scoring inside the first six minutes. He anticipates another competitive encounter this time around.

'I’m expecting another tough game,' he said. 'They’re a good side and we know it will be a challenge. I know a few of their players, so there’s some familiarity, but being at home is something we want to use to our advantage.

'We’re a very united group and that helps in difficult moments. As one of the older players, I try to support the younger lads as much as I can.

'I’m not always the most vocal, but if something needs to be said, I’ll say it. It’s important the boys know they can come to me. I’ll always support them. It’s about setting the right standards and helping the team.'

With eight league fixtures remaining, Chelsea enter a decisive phase of the campaign, with a demanding schedule and little margin for error in the run-in. The side face Crystal Palace this Saturday before quickly turning our attention to Tuesday’s game against Arsenal, followed by a meeting with West Ham United at the weekend.

'It’s important that we stay composed and stick to what we do. Games can become hectic, especially towards the end, but you have to remain calm.

'When chances come, you have to take them. It’s about keeping a clear mind and making the right decisions in those moments.

'At the same time, you have to enjoy those experiences - like our last win against Reading. Those are the moments you play for and celebrating together shows the strength of the group.

'My aim is to keep improving, maintain my form and help the team as much as I can. I want to keep developing every day and give everything in every game between now and the end of the season.'

Support the boys!

Supporters around the world can follow Chelsea Under-18s’ game against Crystal Palace on Saturday 4 April, kicking off at 11am, via our free live stream. To access the stream, simply head to the Chelsea Official App or the website homepage shortly before kick-off, or visit the Match Centre below.