Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 5y

Sources: Chelsea will fight to keep Hudson-Odoi despite Achilles injury setback

LONDON -- Chelsea remain eager to commit Callum Hudson-Odoi to a long-term contract extension despite him rupturing his Achilles tendon in Monday's 2-2 draw with Burnley, sources have told ESPN FC.

Hudson-Odoi, 18, faces months on the sidelines after suffering the injury as he attempted a sprint during the first half.

It means he will miss the remainder of the domestic season and England's UEFA Nations League campaign in Portugal during the summer.

Last month, sources told ESPN FC that Hudson-Odoi remained intent on leaving Chelsea in the summer after failing to force through a January move to Bayern Munich with a formal transfer request.

The player and his representatives have so far rebuffed attempts to reopen talks over an extension to his deal, which expires in 2020, but the prospect of a long lay-off could lead him to rethink his options.

But the severity of Hudson-Odoi's injury has not dimmed Chelsea's desire to make him a key part of their future.

If he decides to stay, the academy graduate can expect a dramatic rise in wages that reflects his progression to first-team regular in recent months.

Chelsea are resigned to Eden Hazard completing his desired move to Real Madrid this summer, irrespective of whether they succeed in delaying, reducing or overturning the two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA in February.

Pedro will be 32 and Willian 31 by the start of next season, strengthening the club's belief that Hudson-Odoi and £57 million January signing Christian Pulisic should be their primary wing options in the years to come.

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