Hudson-Odoi scores as Chelsea star’s impressive comeback continues

Callum Hudson-Odoi continued his impressive return from injury with a goal and an assist as he completed 75 minutes of his second game back for Chelsea’s development side.

England winger Hudson-Odoi looked sharp throughout following an Achilles injury, while Reece James – who has been out with an ankle problem – also starred in the Under-23s’ 2-0 win away at Southampton.

Hudson-Odoi poked home the opener after the break, running through on goal and his corner was crossed back in for Clinton Mola to head number two.

Both Hudson-Odoi and James were replaced with 15 minutes remaining but had looked lively and strong throughout.

James teed up Chelsea’s first decent chance just before the half-hour mark, sending in a fine cross which Charlie Brown turned wide.

And with the Blues now on top Hudson-Odoi, who signed a new five-year contract this week, started to take centre stage going close on three occasions before the break.

The 18-year-old had a fierce strike tipped over, sent a curling effort wide of the far post and then shot wide again when he should have done better from Brown’s cross.

Chelsea continued to create the better opportunities after the interval and soon after a James header hit the bar, Hudson-Odoi found the net thanks to a cool finish as he ran through and beat keeper Harry Lewis following a Billy Gilmour pass.

Both Hudson-Odoi and James were involved in the second goal, the former’s corner finding the latter, whose delightful dinked cross was headed in by Mola at the far post.

Earlier on Saturday, Chelsea’s Under-18s continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win at home to Reading.

Dion Rankine opened the scoring just after the half hour, slotting home after being set up by Joe Haigh.

Reading’s Josh Hewitt hit the post for the visitors, but George Nunn’s goal midway through the second half doubled Chelsea’s lead.

Charlie Wiggett volleyed the ball across goal and Nunn nodded home from close range.

Pedro Neves pulled a goal back for Reading with a cracking strike but the young Blues took the points.