Does Callum Hudson-Odoi exist? That is the question on the lips of many Chelsea fans who are beginning to piece together a conspiracy theory that may prove the young English winger is a figment of their imaginations.

“At this point it’s entirely possible,” said Dave, a Chelsea season ticket holder for the past 25 years. “It wouldn’t be the first time a youth prospect at Chelsea has turned out to be fictional. Remember Josh McEachran? Exactly.”

Fans have taken to social media to demand the club release a picture of Hudson-Odoi holding today’s newspaper, or, at the very least, bring him on instead of Kovacic in their next league match.

“The only explanation worth considering is that the path from our academy to the first team is situated in some sort of Bermuda Triangle and Prince Charles controls the weather. Those are the only two certainties we are dealing with right now,” added Dave.