These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Boothroyd backs Hudson-Odoi for senior return

England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd believes Callum Hudson-Odoi can regain the form which earned him a call-up to the senior international team last year, the Daily Mail reports.

The Chelsea winger became the youngest player to make his England debut in a competitive game when he came on as a substitute in a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic in March 2019 at the age of 18 years and 135 days.

However, he was not recalled by Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark and has joined up instead with Boothroyd’s squad, which is preparing for the European Under-21 qualifiers.

‘He's very positive, he knows what he has to do to get to the seniors, what he has to work on in his game,’ said Boothroyd of Hudson-Odoi’s reaction to his Under-21 call-up.

‘It's over to him now to show what he's all about, to show the qualities that got him into the senior team and Chelsea's team in the first place.

‘It's not a straight road for young players when they burst on to the scene. It's more like a country road. You never know what's round the corner.

‘That's why we have this level because it is a feeder and players have to gain experiences before they are ready for the seniors.’

Azpi backs Hazard to regain form

Cesar Azpilicueta has backed former team-mate Eden Hazard to bounce back strongly in the upcoming season after being hampered by injury in his first season at Real Madrid, goal.com reports.

The 29-year-old scored only one goal for the La Liga side after his arrival from the Blues but the Chelsea captain believes the Belgian will turn things around after returning to fitness.

‘This season has been hampered by injuries and he hasn't been at 100 per cent,’ said Azpilicueta to Radio Marca.

‘I hope he can pick up some rhythm in order to help his team. I have no doubt that Real Madrid have lots of quality players and that Eden can show his worth in that team.

‘Let's hope we can see the Eden we saw at Chelsea.’

Bakayoko close to Milan move?

Reports in Italy indicate Tiemoue Bakayoko is closing in on a return to AC Milan, caughtoffside.com reports.

The French midfielder spent the 2018/19 season on loan at the Serie A side and it has been suggested he will return to the San Siro although it remains unclear if it is a permanent switch or another loan.

‘Bakayoko still in talks to come back to AC Milan in the next days,’ said Sky Sports’ Italian correspondant Angelo Mangiante in a Twitter post.

The 26-year-old joined Chelsea in 2017 from Monaco but struggled to settle in the Premier League before he moved to Milan on loan the following season.

After Milan opted not to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign, he re-joined Monaco on loan last season.