LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri is likely to assess the attacking talent on offer in the January transfer window after Alvaro Morata suffered an injury this week.
The Spanish striker was forced out of the Europa League draw at Hungarian club Vidi just before half-time after injuring his knee while shooting and will almost certainly miss Chelsea's Premier League trip to Brighton on Sunday (Dec 16).
His misfortune allowed Olivier Giroud to enter the action and the France international responded with a superb late free-kick that secured a 2-2 draw and ensured Chelsea remained unbeaten throughout the group stage as they progressed to the last 32.
Sarri must now decide whether Giroud should start at the Amex Stadium or whether he again employs Eden Hazard in a central role as part of a less physical, more mobile forward line.
Given his frequent tactical changes so far, the Italian does not appear fully convinced that either approach is ideal.
Neither Morata nor Giroud have fully impressed this season. Morata has outscored his rival for the centre-forward role with five Premier League goals to Giroud's one but has again proved inconsistent, mirroring last season's form when he was bought as a replacement for Diego Costa.
BIDING HIS TIME
Giroud told the Guardian this week he had no problem with biding his time at Chelsea because the prospect of winning a Premier League title kept him motivated.
"Alvaro (had) a great pre-season, so it was normal not to take him off the team even to put in a world champion. Let's be patient, work in training and come back stronger," he told the paper.
"I prefer to be at a big club rather than playing every week in a less prestigious team and I still have targets.
"To win a Premier League is my last dream as a footballer, maybe more than winning a Champions League, because I know how tough it is to win this league.
"I have team mates here who have won it, so I'm a bit jealous."
Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro made a promising start to his Chelsea career, scoring freely and demonstrating his strength in the air.
Recurring injuries and difficulty adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League have taken their toll, however, and Morata has rarely looked entirely comfortable since.
The man bought for £60 million (S$100 million) has never achieved the popularity at Stamford Bridge enjoyed by the abrasive Costa, whose willingness to confront defenders made him a supporters' favourite before his relationship with Sarri's predecessor Antonio Conte turned sour.
Reports this week that Barcelona could make Morata a target in January suggest he could leave sooner rather than later.
However, Sarri could not allow Morata to go without lining up a replacement - furthermore, Morata's injury this week has highlighted the risk of relying on just two principal strikers.
Giroud has given good service since he arrived from Arsenal last January but his return of four goals from 26 league appearances, 15 of those as a substitute, is not prolific.
His role for Chelsea mirrors that for France - he has an ability to bring team-mates into play in and around the opposition penalty area. To this effect, he has proved an encouraging presence for Hazard who has made it clear he prefers to operate coming in from wide areas.
Hazard's relationship with Conte suffered when the Italian used him in a more central role and having been again asked to switch, the goals have dried up for the Belgian.
He scored eight goals in the opening ten games but has now failed to find the net in eight games.
Chelsea's hopes of winning the title rest on Sarri getting the Belgian scoring again and finding a more consistent central striker - and the solution to both problems is likely to be found in the January transfer market.
'Electric' Sterling has boss purring LONDON • When Raheem Sterling grew up within the shadow of Wembley, he would ride around on his bike marvelling at the gleaming stadium, dreaming of playing there.
Garage Heaters - Heaters - The Home Depot
Manchester United look set to have three of their injured stars back for Sunday's crucial clash at the Emirates. Arsenal go into the game one point behind fourth-placed United, knowing victory will see them move back into the top four with eight games of the season remaining.
Spurs TV fixtures: Where you can watch the clashes against
Man Utd legends thrash Bayern in 1999 charity rematch Date created : 26/05/2019 - 20:50 Manchester United '99 Legends celebrate a goal against Bayern Munich in a charity match AFP
Manchester United legends thrash Bayern in 1999 charity rematch
Football: Hougang find inspiration in skipper Zulfahmi Arifin to climb to second in the SPL SINGAPORE - Hougang's dead-eye over the deadball Zulfahmi Arifin proved the difference as the Cheetahs romped to a 4-1 win over Geylang International at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (April 20) to climb up to second in the nine-team Singapore
Warriors - Hougang United LiveStream: - spreaker.com
Solskjaer boosted by Mourinho's work, claims Van Gaal The 67-year-old Dutchman also suggested United played more exciting football in his time at the helm than they do now. Van Gaal's claims
Solskjaer boosted by Mourinho's work, claims Van Gaal
Football: EPL bottom team Huddersfield condemn racist abuse of Philip Billing on social media Huddersfield Town's Philip Billing received a racist message over social media on March 12, 2019
Football: EPL bottom team Huddersfield condemn racist abuse
MADRID (AFP) - Former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Spain star Jose Antonio Reyes has been killed in a car crash, his hometown club Sevilla said on Saturday (June 1). He was 35.. Read more at
Football: Grief in Sevilla as former star Jose Antonio Reyes
League Cup: Harry Kane's VAR penalty gives Tottenham edge
Juventus deny Pep link for manager TURIN • Juventus have poured cold water over rumours that they were planning a dramatic pounce for Pep Guardiola, saying that they had never even spoken to the Manchester City boss.
Juventus deny Pep link for manager - Virginia Bus
virginiabus.info/sports/juventus-deny-pep-link-for-manager/
TURIN • Juventus have poured cold water over rumours that they were planning a dramatic pounce for Pep Guardiola, saying that they had never even spoken to the Manchester City boss. "It's a strange world, we've not had any contact with Guardiola nor have we ever thought about it given that he's under contract," Juve's […]
Juventus deny making an approach for Guardiola
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp "That says something, it's a big statement for the club. OK we play Barca, maybe it's not too easy," the German added with a smile
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp
Mohamed Salah completed a memorable day for Egyptian football by retaining his African Player of the Year award in Senegal on Tuesday 8. The 26-year-old Liverpool star finished first with club-mate Senegalese Sadio Mane and Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the other finalists.
Mohamed Salah retains African Player of the Year award
As Singapore legend Kadir Yahaya looks to guide Tampines first-team head coach Gavin Lee to a successful season, he urged all local football coaches to show more respect and dedication to their role. The Stags started their 2019 season with a bang after sealing a 3-1 comeback victory away to Yangon United in the AFC Cup […]
Jesus saves Man City with last-gasp winner | Daily Nigerian
Violent England fans an embarrassment to the team and not
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group J - Italy v Liechtenstein - Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma, Italy - March 26, 2019 Italy's Fabio Quagliarella celebrates scoring their fourth goal REUT
Veteran Quagliarella helps Italy thrash Liechtenstein - GulfToday
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is confident Gonzalo Higuain can be the short-term solution to his side's need for goals and urged the Argentine to earn a permanent move to the Premier League.
Sarri challenges Higuain to earn permanent Chelsea deal
0 comments:
Post a Comment