Graham Potter promotes German-born Nigerian defender to first team training ahead of London derby

Chelsea new boss Graham Potter invited German-born Nigerian defender Derrick Abu to train with the first team ahead of their upcoming London derby against Eberechi Eze's Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

A right-back by trade, Abu was spotted training with the first team on Tuesday and it is thought he took part in the training session only because several first team players are away on international duty with their respective nations, 

He was spotted training with 2018 World Cup winner N'Golo Kante during yesterday's workout at  Cobham Training Center.

Abu also rubbed shoulders with Kepa Arrizabalaga, England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek and three players of African descent namely Edouard Mendy, Trevoh Chalobah, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

Carney Chukwuemeka was on England U20s duty on Tuesday, helping them thrash Australia 3-0, so wasn't involved in the training session. 

Some outstanding academy players are frequently invited to train with Chelsea's first team during the international break in order to make up the numbers. 

Abu first played for the Chelsea academy at U11 level following a successful trial and after he was spotted by a Chelsea scout whilst playing for a grassroots club at a tournament in Spain.

The 18-year-old made his season debut for the development squad against Crystal Palace in a Premier League 2 match on September 17.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel  

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