Michael Essien could be dropped to the Chelsea bench when take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Saturday as coach Roberto Di Matteo is likely to a gamble on rookie Ryan Bertrand.
Di Matteo is toying with the decision to take a big Champions League final gamble and start Bertrand in his first European match which could hurt Essien's chances.
Chelsea are without the suspended quartet of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires, while Florent Malouda's hamstring injury means he is unlikely to be risked.
And with Di Matteo lacking faith in Daniel Sturridge and misfiring pounds 50million man Fernando Torres, the Blues boss is poised to throw 22-year-old Bertrand straight in at the deep end.
England Under-21 man Bertrand has made just 12 starts for Chelsea, only six in the Premier League and has not even played a minute of European football.
But with Di Matteo fearful of the threat down Bayern's right flank, with full-back and skipper Philipp Lahm doubling up with former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, he is ready to put his faith in the youth team product.
Bertrand has been worked in training all week on the left of the second line of three behind Didier Drogba after playing in that position for the final half hour of Sunday's win over Blackburn, leaving Juan Mata in a central role and Salomon Kalou on the other flank.
From what they have seen in training this week, and his inclusion would be likely to restrict Michael Essien to the bench.
It means a holding axis of Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel, with Michael Essien on the bench.
Di Matteo, who admitted earlier this week the shape of his side was giving him "headaches", said: "I've been trying different solutions to cover every eventuality. And there's also Paracetamol for my headache.
"I believe my players have it in them to grasp history. They have all the qualities you need to win this competition.
"We can win it. You make your own destiny and fate."
The match will be played in Munich.
Likely line-ups
BAYERN (4-2-3-1) Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Tymoshchuk, Contento; Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Mueller, Ribery; Gomez
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1) Cech; Bosingwa, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Kalou, Mata, Bertrand; Drogba
REFEREE: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)