Chelsea forward Shumaira Mheuka travelled with the first team for their Conference League fixture against Panathinaikos.

The teenager (whose first name is sometimes shortened to ‘Shim’) only turned 17 on Sunday and he signed his first professional contract this week.

Mheuka joined the Blues’ academy from Brighton in the summer of 2022 and he has gradually made his way up the youth ranks.

His impressive performances have attracted the attention of head coach Enzo Maresca, who decided to include him in the club’s senior squad for the first time.

Why should fans be excited about Mheuka?

The striker was in impressive form in front of goal last season, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Under 18s. His most high-profile game so far came when he was sent on as a substitute in the Premier League national final against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge back in May.

Mheuka has subsequently moved up to the Under 21s, scoring his first goal against Fulham during a 6-0 win earlier this month.

The 17-year-old has also been a regular scorer at international level, having scored 6 goals in 10 caps for England’s Under 17s, getting his last goal during a 3-0 win over Norway a couple of weeks ago.

Chelsea youngsters will get opportunities in Europe

With Wesley Fofana, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia not even included in the Conference League squad, and Maresca choosing to rest the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and captain Reece James for the trip to Greece, it does give a chance for young players such as Mheuka to get minutes in the first team.

Winger Tyrique George has already played twice in Europe this campaign, while defender Josh Acheampong also made the matchday squad for the second leg against Servette.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here