According to Evening Standard, Enzo Alonzo has praised two academy players ahead of Chelsea FC's away match against Arsenal FC, with 16-year-old Reggie Watson and Nicolò Azouz potentially in line for first-team opportunities.

Alonzo highlighted two academy prospects from Chelsea FC during his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea FC's clash with Arsenal FC.

Chelsea FC will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (local time), and Alonzo believes the team has sufficient midfield options despite the club failing to sign a replacement for Enzo Fernández on transfer deadline day.

Enzo Fernández moved to Manchester City for £120 million, and Chelsea FC agreed a £47 million fee with Monaco for midfielder Lamin Camara, but Monaco withdrew from the deal at the last minute.

Reece James and Moisés Caicedo remain key players in Alonzo's plans, but the Ecuadorian midfielder suffered an injury shortly after being substituted in the Brighton match, and his availability remains uncertain.

Romeo Lavia started two matches this season and performed well, but he has struggled with injury issues since joining Chelsea FC in 2023.

Barkol, who signed during the summer, and Henderson, an experienced midfielder, are other options for Alonzo. However, Henderson is currently injured, while 16-year-old Reggie Watson and Nicolò Azouz have emerged as contenders for first-team places.

Alonzo said: "We have players with different characteristics and personalities. Valentín is still very young, but he brings a lot of energy to the team. We also have Henderson, who is calm-headed, has an excellent mentality, and understands how the game evolves, so he's close to getting more playing time."

Alonzo added: "There's also Romeo, Reece, and Gusto who can play midfield. Watson can too, and Mahdi from the academy as well."

"We have many options and need to maintain the right balance. We believe the team has the quality and ability to compete throughout the season and can face any opponent."

Watson, 16, is the son of former Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson. He joined Chelsea FC for the pre-season tour in Australia and has trained with the first team since.

Watson was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup match where Chelsea FC beat Luton Town in August.

Nicolò Azouz, 16, also participated in this summer's tour. He featured against Tottenham Hotspur and subsequently started against Juventus in Hong Kong.

As Chelsea FC prepares for the first major test of the season, both young players could become part of Alonzo's competitive plans.

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