Maurizio Sarri expects to make changes for Chelsea's Europa League opener at PAOK, but hinted young players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi are unlikely to feature.
Much has been made of Loftus-Cheek's Chelsea situation in recent months, as he impressed on loan at Crystal Palace last term and forced his way into England's World Cup squad.
"I don't know about Loftus-Cheek," Sarri told reporters when asked if the midfielder was in line for a rare chance to stake his claim.
Training is underway in Greece! PAOK September 19, 2018
"For me, he is a very good player. I don't know if there is a spot tomorrow. There is in the future.
"Now it is very difficult, because in the first part of the season it is very important to play with a very solid team. I might change four or five players, it is impossible to change every player in the match.
"I don't know [if Loftus-Cheek is growing frustrated]. Unfortunately, you have to play with 11 players, 17 players tomorrow [Thursday] won't agree with me.
"There is a match Thursday and on Wednesday after Sunday at West Ham. There will be a chance for everyone, but not for 25 or 28 players – the truth is this.
"For Hudson-Odoi, in his position in the last match we played Pedro and Hazard. I have also played [Victor] Moses and Willian.
"Ampadu, Hudson-Odoi and Loftus are the future. I don't know if the right time tomorrow is for Odoi."
