Fast-rising Kenyan midfielder scores for Chelsea in friendly

STARS ABROAD Fast-rising Kenyan midfielder scores for Chelsea in friendly

Imran Otieno 16:23 - 25.03.2023

The match also marked the return to action of N'Golo Kante.

Harambee Stars prospect Silko Otieno Thomas was on target for Chelsea in the 3-0 thumping of Charlton Athletic in a friendly encounter on Friday. 

The match was played behind closed doors at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground with the game also marking the return to action for N’Golo Kante.

Otieno who was promoted to the Chelsea Under 21 squad back in July 2022 has endured limited game time in recent Premier League 2 games but was trusted with a start in the friendly. 

The 18-year-old is still eligible for Harambee Stars having never played for any of the senior sides of England and Jamaica who he can also choose to represent.

The right winger has however earned one cap for the England Under 18 side but that does not prevent him from featuring for either Kenya or Jamaica.

Otieno was on the scoresheet alongside Dion Rankine, and Malik Mothersille as the Chelsea development side ran riot against the League One outfit.

Kante’s return to the pitch was a huge boost for Chelsea as he is yet to play a single minute since suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur back in August. 

Chelsea teammates Thiago Silva and Mason Mount were present at Cobham to offer support for the French midfielder and were seen in the stands wearing a 'Kante No.7' shirt.

The Blues manager Graham Potter emphasized the importance of having Kante back in his side, especially with the Champions League quarter-finals coming up against Real Madrid.  

"Managers before me have spoken very highly of N'Golo because he's a top, top player. He's been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful. We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed,” Potter said in a previous interview with the Sun.