Chelsea starlet Ethan Ampadu suffering from growing pains, reveals Wales boss Ryan Giggs

Struggle | Ethan Ampadu's injuries are related to growing problems, according to Wales boss Ryan Giggs
Getty Images
Joe Krishnan20 March 2019

Wales coach Ryan Giggs says he is frustrated with Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu's latest injury and believes the youngster's recurring problems are being caused by growing pains.

The 18-year-old has been forced to withdraw from the Wales squad with a back problem and will miss the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, as well as Sunday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.

The Chelsea starlet has only featured five times this season under Maurizio Sarri despite penning a long-term contract in September.

And Giggs, who deployed Ampadu in the Uefa Nations League on three occasions, admits it is difficult for the youngster to adapt due to his recent injuries and lack of playing time.

"It is frustrating," Giggs told reporters. "He's at that age where it's in between his age group and the first team. So a lot of the time he's travelling with the squad.

Ampadu has won six caps for Wales since his debut in December 2017 Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"I went through it a little bit, when you don't play, then you go back to your own age group. It's just that balancing act because he's not getting the minutes that lesser players would get because of his quality.

"He reminds me of Steven Gerrard because he's still growing. They pick up these little knocks and strains."

Ampadu has featured three times in the Europa League for Chelsea en route to the quarter-finals but is yet to make an Premier League appearance for the Blues this season.

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri is yet to hand a Premier League start to Ampadu Photo: PA
PA

And Giggs hinted that the versatile defender could benefit from a loan move away from the club.

"He's played the odd Europa [League] game or cup game for Chelsea and, because of that talent, I can see Sarri wants him around the first team," he added.

"But it's just been a bit stop-start, together with the injuries, which is frustrating because he is an amazing talent and he's shown that in the games he's played.

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'We've had players in the same situation - David Brooks, Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn - talented players who've gone out on loan and benefited from it. But if he can force himself into that Chelsea squad then that would be great."

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