Hudson-Odoi made point to Sarri, says Cudicini

Chelsea coach Carlo Cudicini praised Callum Hudson-Odoi for his performance against Nottingham Forest and suggested the youngster had made a point to Maurizio Sarri.

Hudson-Odoi, whose future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt amid strong interest from Bayern Munich, again impressed when given a chance in the Blues first team.

Selected only once in the league since Sarri took over as head coach during the summer, Hudson-Odoi set up both goals as Chelsea eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup by beating Forest 2-0.

Alvaro Morata nudged home from close range after being found by Hudson-Odoi’s low cross from the right and the Spaniard headed in the second from another right-wing delivery by the teenager.

Hudson-Odoi showed exactly why Bayern want him – and why many Chelsea fans want him to be given more first-team chances.

And Cudicini said: “It was a very good performance. He did well; two assists and he worked very hard defensively. His commitment was great.

“You want to have performances like that so he can put some doubt in Maurizio’s mind and be in contention.”

Cesc Fabregas, who captained the side in what is expected to be his final Chelsea appearance before a move to Monaco, had a first-half penalty saved by keeper Luke Steele.

Cudicini described the midfielder as “one of a kind” and said he did not know if Fabregas, who was given a standing ovation when substituted late on, would be leaving the club.

“If it was his last game it was good that he played in front of the fans and was able to get a nice reception,” Cudicini said.

There was praise too for Morata, who has struggled in front of goal but has now scored nine times this season.

Cudicini said: “We’re pleased with him but we were pleased with him even without those goals.

“The most important thing is that he is training hard and performance-wise it is very important that on top of the goals he did a good job for the team.”

On a less positive note, Cudicini suggested that Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who went off with a back injury, could face a spell on the sidelines in order for the long-standing problem to be resolved.