Six new stars of Chelsea set for debuts against LAFC at the Club World Cup

CHELSEA could unleash a brand new SPINE at the Club World Cup with six new stars hoping to make their debuts today.

The Blues are kicking off their US adventure against MLS heavyweights LAFC tonight.

Enzo Maresca’s men face a tricky test against former Chelsea hero Olivier Giroud in Atlanta, Georgia — where temperatures could hit a sticky 30 degrees celsius.

But with an even tougher fixture on the horizon against Brazilian giants Flamengo, today’s match could provide opportunities for some new faces.

Chelsea have taken no less than 28 players to the States, with Conference League winners like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Reece James included.

Promising youngsters such as Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Josh Acheampong have also travelled.

However, there could be as many as six debutants tonight in scenes bound to excite Blues fans.

And should they all feature on the pitch at the same time, they would create a new spine to mark the latest point of Chelsea’s fast-paced revolution.

Hoping to line up between the sticks is Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders.

The 19-year-old joined from Genk last summer before returning on loan, playing 21 times to help them finish first in the Pro League’s ‘regular season’ table.

Standing at a whopping 6ft 7in, Penders’ imposing frame has inevitably seen him dubbed the “new Thibaut Courtois.”

And with Chelsea struggling for an established No1 ever since Courtois’ exit to Real Madrid in 2018, the time appears right for Penders to stake his claim.

In defence, there could be debuts for not one but TWO centre-backs.

The first is Mamadou Sarr, 19, who only joined Chelsea from sister club Strasbourg a week ago.

Despite his age, the defender was entrusted with 27 Ligue 1 outings by former boss Liam Rosenior — who reckons Sarr can become “world class.”

His 6ft 4in height means Chelsea already have their replacement for Axel Disasi, who was left out of the Club World Cup squad.

And Sarr’s technical ability means he can also fill in as a midfielder when needed.

He could be joined in the backline by Argentine ace Aaron Anselmino, who signed for Chelsea last summer.

The 20-year-old remained at Boca Juniors until January before moving to Stamford Bridge.

And although Anselmino did not make his debut in the second half of the season, he is sure to have gained valuable experience training with the seniors.

Looking further forward, Chelsea could also be set for a new midfield pivot.

With Romeo Lavia’s injuries making him unreliable support for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, a new top-class No6/8 was needed this summer.

But Chelsea’s savvy shopping means they already have the perfect man in Andrey Santos.

It’s been two-and-a-half years since the 21-year-old was signed from Vasco da Gama — yet he’s still to make his bow for the Blues despite having won two caps for Brazil.

A disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest was followed by a brilliant 18 months at sister club Strasbourg.

This season saw Santos net 11 times in 34 outings while helping the French side qualify for the Conference League.

And he has the potential to even disrupt the blossoming partnership between Caicedo and Fernandez.

Meanwhile, a fifth party has joined the midfield fray in the form of Portugal U21s star Dario Essugo.

Snapped up in March from Sporting Lisbon, he shined on loan at Spanish side Las Palmas this season.

Another youngster at 20, Essugo has been billed as a similar type of player to Caicedo.

And his dynamism could be just what Chelsea need to close out tough matches as they go in search of Club World Cup glory.

Finally, the Blues will be hoping to have solved their goal problems with £30million striker Liam Delap.

The former Ipswich man, 22, hit 12 Premier League goals this season and has the same build as iconic Chelsea forwards like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.

Of all six players hoping to make their debuts, Delap has the biggest chance of starting from the off tonight.

And should he hit the ground running, Nicolas Jackson will find it hard to reclaim his spot as Chelsea chiefs aim to land Fifa’s stunning £100m jackpot.