It’s another busy week ahead for the Blues with two fixtures over the next five days, starting against League One side Cambridge United's senior team at their home ground Cledara Abbey Stadium, as we continue our journey in the EFL Trophy.

Preparations are in full swing as we focus on securing a second win in the competition, which would guarantee us a place in the next round with six points, following our 3-2 win over Bromley and defeat to Charlton. We currently have a one-point advantage over third-placed Bromley going into this last round of group-stage fixtures.

Midfielder Rak-Sakyi has been at the club since Under-8s level, rising through the ranks and proving to be an influential player within Filipe Coelho’s squad this season. In August, he signed a new contract, extending his stay at the club for at least another two years.

'I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am today,' the 19-year-old said. 'It’s a dream to be playing for my club. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’m hoping to do even more here.

'Chelsea means everything to me. I’ve been here since I was eight and it’s been a long journey. I hope to continue progressing and showing the club what I’m capable of doing.

'Signing a new contract in August was a huge moment for me. It felt like a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in, especially after dealing with an injury that set me back just when I felt I was making real progress.

'Despite the timing, I stayed focused and getting the contract renewal really made me feel proud and motivated to keep pushing.

'I’m grateful to the club for believing in me and signing for another two years means I have more time to keep developing and to hopefully achieve even more here. It’s a chance to keep working hard, play more games and show what I can contribute on the pitch.'

Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Rak-Sakyi has been a key player for the team, having recently returned from a long-term injury which saw him sidelined for several months last season under the Under-21s' then-coach Mark Robinson.

He reflected: 'Injuries are part of the game, they’re natural. You just keep pushing through. I’m happy to be back now and look forward to doing what I love.

'The medical staff was really helpful. They set up a plan for me to come back and everyone around me was very supportive, which made a big difference.

'Having that support is crucial because football is a team sport and you need people around you to help you stay on track and keep progressing. I’m grateful for all the support I had around me, it's helped me to be where I am now.'

Since his return, the Blue has made an immediate impact, including scoring in our 4-0 Premier League International Cup victory over Anderlecht and joining Enzo Maresca’s senior squad for the UEFA Conference League fixture away at Panathinaikos in Athens.

'Going to Greece with the men’s team was a really good experience. It was different from what I’m used to. Being part of the match squad and seeing how the men’s team players prepare was eye-opening. The players were very welcoming, so it was easy to fit in.

'My family was incredibly proud when they found out I was travelling with the men’s team. They know how hard I’ve worked for this and they’ve been there every step of the way. It was an amazing experience that I hope will continue.'

As Rak-Sakyi looks ahead to the rest of the season, he draws particular inspiration from one person in his life, who came through the ranks at Cobham before making a name for himself elsewhere.

'My brother has always been an inspiration to me. He came through the Chelsea Academy as well but faced setbacks along the way, like being released at Under-16s level. Watching him push through those challenges and seeing where he is now really motivates me.

'He’s taught me the importance of resilience and mental strength, which is essential in football, especially when things don’t go your way. He also gives me advice about the game and I look up to him a lot. He’s now playing at the level I hope to reach and I want to make him proud as well.'

Chelsea Under-21s return to the pitch following a strong 2-1 win over Arsenal in our last match, at Kingsmeadow in the Premier League 2. Now, we shift our focus to the busy week ahead, beginning on Tuesday evening against Cambridge.

'Training has gone well and we’re looking forward to returning to match action. Filipe is a good coach. He focuses on the little details and tries to help everyone improve.

'Working as a team is essential, and our team bond grows stronger every day. We put in a lot of work during training and grow closer as a group.

'Playing with senior sides, like Cambridge, requires a lot of mental strength too. The games are more physical and there’s a different level of intensity, so you have to stay focused and strong mentally to keep up and perform well.

'My family’s support also helps keep me grounded and motivated, which is essential in handling the pressure and challenges that come with playing at this level.

'I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch, I hope we can get the three points and continue progressing in this competition.'