Five from training: Blues get to work in Greece | News | Official site

Chelsea's players landed in Greece on Wednesday afternoon and it wasn't long before they were working on the Athens Olympic Stadium pitch ahead of our Conference League clash with Panathinaikos.

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca's first task upon returning to Greece – where he spent the 2009/10 season with Olympiacos – was to address the media at the pre-match press conference. And he was soon followed by Joao Felix.

The first question for Maresca concerned the fitness of Filip Jorgensen, who has started every cup competition since joining the club in the summer but missed the trip to Liverpool at the weekend.

However, our head coach confirmed that the Danish U21 goalkeeper is fully fit and will start against Panathinaikos.

Another expected appearance is Joao Felix and the 24-year-old spoke to Christopher Nkunku about his blossoming on-pitch relationship as he faced the media.

The Portugal international said: “He's a top player.” We all know his qualities, we saw him do great things as a player when he was at Leipzig.

“I think we see the game similarly and know what each other is going to do.” “He's easy to play with and we get along very well on the pitch.”

Our 22-man squad also includes four academy graduates: goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom, winger Tyrique George and two players traveling with the senior team for the first time; 19-year-old central midfielder Samuel Rak-Sakyi and teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka, who turned 17 on Sunday.

Maresca was very positive about both players during his pre-match press conference.

“They have already been with us at various meetings,” Maresca said. “Sam has a good profile. He can play as a defensive midfielder or through the lines. Shimmy, we'll use him as a striker and as a winger.

“I think they have a good profile, young people, and it will be a good experience for them to stay with us.”

“We also have Tyrique with us and he's doing really well.” “It's good to have them with us because hopefully we can give them a few minutes and opportunities so they can grow and have different experiences.”