Gianfranco Zola believes Callum Hudson-Odoi is getting good minutes for Chelsea 

Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola says Callum Hudson-Odoi is fortunate to be getting game time for a big club, unlike other 18-year-olds. 

Hudson-Odoi surprisingly did not start in the Europa League against Malmo on Thursday and has made just two cameo appearances since the January window closed.

The teenager missed out on his move to Bayern Munich but Zola has told Hudson-Odoi there are plenty of youngsters out there getting no minutes whatsoever.

Callum Hudson-Odoi should count himself lucky at Chelsea, says assistant Gianfranco Zola

The teenager has been restricted to two cameo appearances since the transfer window closed

‘He’s always on the edge of the team,’ said Zola, who was standing in for manager Maurizio Sarri ahead of Monday night’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Manchester United.

‘As soon as there is an opportunity, he plays. Sometimes from the beginning.. Sometimes he comes on. The manager is giving him plenty of reasons to feel involved and wanted.

‘I want to stress this out: there aren’t many 18-year-olds in Europe playing as many games as he is. There might be one or two.

In Zola’s opinion, few other teenagers across Europe are playing more first-team matches

The Chelsea assistant stepped in for boss Maurizio Sarri for Friday’s pre-FA Cup conference

‘He’s playing. And, on top of that, he’s a player we appreciate and we believe is growing up. He has a bright future in this club.’

On facing United, Zola added: ‘It’s a classic, a great game not only in the FA Cup, but for the whole country. A very interesting fixture.

‘Plus they are really in a good moment, so it’s a good challenge. And actually what we need to do right now.’