BRYAN FIABEMA made his Chelsea debut for the Under-23s alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek after becoming the Blues’ first signing since the transfer ban.
The Norwegian wonderkid came off the bench for Thierno Ballo just after the hour mark in the 1-0 over Everton at Aldershot.
Bryan Fiabema (right) made his Chelsea debut alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek
He posted on Instagram: “Important three points against Everton and good to get some minutes in the bank.”
The 17-year-old penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Stamford Bridge just over a week ago from Tromso and is set to predominantly play for the U18s to begin with.
The move came after the pacy youngster impressed while on a trial with the Blues, having made his senior debut in the Norwegian top-flight as a 16-year-old last season.
Loftus-Cheek handed Frank Lampard a major boost last night after playing a full 90 minutes for the first time in ten months.
Loftus-Cheek played a full 90 minutes for the first time in ten monthsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The England international won the decisive penalty in Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 win over the Toffees to put them three points clear at the top of the table.
He ruptured his Achilles tendon in May and has not featured for the first-team since that post-season friendly against New England Revolution.
He has been keeping the bench warm for Frank Lampard’s side in recent weeks but is nearing a full return to action after his injury hell.
On Monday night, the 24-year-old played in a No10 role and could have put his side 1-0 up before Luke McCormick’s winning penalty.
Ian Maatsen swung a corner in with just 15 minutes to go but his powerful header flashed inches wide of the right post.
But he did not have to worry as just five minutes later, Everton captain Beni Baningime shoved him in the back and the referee pointed to the spot.
McCormick stepped up and blasted home the pen and while the result will please all those at Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek’s full shift will cheer them up even more.
His return will provide Lampard with a massive boost heading into the final period of the season with Chelsea desperately looking to secure a Champions League spot.
Loftus-Cheek may be used in the FA Cup clash with Liverpool after being an unused sub against Bournemouth last time out.
Frank Lampard has been handed a major boost thanks to the return of Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
