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Maurizio Sarri sends warning to Callum Hudson-Odoi after failed Bayern Munich bid

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Callum Hudson-Odoi has only made one substitute appearance in the league under Maurizio Sarri (Picture: Getty)

Maurizio Sarri has warned Callum Hudson-Odoi that he must improve defensively in order to become a first-team regular at Chelsea.

Hudson-Odoi had an impressive pre-season for Chelsea but the 18-year-old forward has only made one appearance in the Premier League since the start of the campaign.

The England Under-19 international replaced the injured Pedro in the 43rd minute at Watford before being replaced with five minutes remaining as Sarri looked to defend Chelseas 2-1 lead.

Recent reports suggest Bayern Munich are attempting to lure Hudson-Odoi away from Stamford Bridge and even had a £20million bid rejected for the youngster.

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Asked about Hudson-Odoi ahead of Chelseas clash with Southampton, Sarri replied: Hes a very good player, the potential is for becoming a great player, and now he has to improve

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He has to improve, I think, in movement without the ball.

As a winger, he has to improve in the defensive phase, but he has the potential to become a very important player, not only for English football I think but for European football.

Bayern Munich reportedly had an offer rejected for the Englishman (Picture: Getty)

Sarri insists its not easy to give academy prospects like Hudson-Odoi regular game-time at the top level.

Asked if youngster such as Hudson-Odoi must be more patient for their chances, the Italian responded: Also the fans sometimes, also the club sometimes, and so I am in the middle. I have to win.

Its not easy at this level to take the young players from the academy and hes ready to play, not only here, everywhere in Europe.