First squad involvement for 19yo Nigerian midfielder as Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund share spoils 

Two days after Chelsea confirmed the signing of Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes, the French-born Nigerian midfielder received his first call-up for a first team game, albeit in a friendly, as the Premier League side were held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Dortmund in their last friendly in the United States before the new season. 

Shortly after putting pen to paper on a seven-year contract, the 19-year-old Ugochukwu linked up with the Chelsea first team in the United States.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been running the rule over the talented teenager since Tuesday evening and named him in the matchday squad against Borussia Dortmund. 

However, Ugochukwu watched proceedings from the bench for the entirety of the game, with the Argentine football tactician opting to stick with Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher as the holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 

The former Rennes starlet would have worn the number 99 at the back of his jersey assuming he was given minutes off the bench.

Although he is eligible to be included on Chelsea's Premier League roster as an U21 player, a loan move back to the Ligue 1 with Strasbourg has been mooted for Ugochukwu. 

Chelsea secured a draw against Borussia Dortmund thanks to late goal from Mason Burstow, who canceled out Marius Wolf's 80th minute strike from close range. 

Carney Chukwuemeka started and was in action for 72 minutes, while Noni Madueke missed out on the match day squad. 

Unbeaten in five games on the bounce in pre-season, Chelsea face Liverpool in their Premier League opener on August 13.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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