18yo forward Tyrique George makes senior debut for Chelsea in 2-1 loss to Servette 

Premier League giants Chelsea have booked their place in the UEFA Conference League league phase despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swiss opponent Servette on Thursday night at the Stade de Genève.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca picked three Super Eagles-eligible players in his gameday squad, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Noni Madueke handed starting berths and Tyrique George named among the substitutes for the first time this season.

The 18-year-old George trained with Chelsea's first team for most part of the pre-season preparations and was in the traveling squad to the United States, where he was given minutes in friendlies with Wrexham, Celtic and Club America, 

In the new season, the England youth international has been keeping up his fitness levels by playing for Chelsea's development squad in the Premier League 2.

With fourteen minutes played, Christopher Nkunku, who also scored from the spot in the first leg, broke the deadlock when he converted a penalty after Mykhailo Mudryk was brought down by Tsunemoto.

However, scores were level at the break, with Jeremy Guillemenot equalizing in the 32nd minute. 

Maresca made a triple substitution in the 62nd minute, one of which saw Tyrique George come on for his professional debut.

Ten minutes after the introduction of George, Enzo Crivelli headed in an unlikely winner for Servette.

Last season, the exciting winger was named in three Premier League matchday squads by erstwhile coach Mauricio Pochettino, but remained rooted to the bench.

In the off-season, George committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new three-year deal, with a club option for the 2027-2028 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com