Guus Hiddink: Several Chelsea FC Players Doubtful For Watford Game
Guus Hiddink has stated that a number of players will be facing a late decision on their availability for Chelsea FC’s game against Watford.
After the relative bore that is the FA Cup, the Premier League treats us to a special dose of midweek action with a full slate of games taking place over today and tomorrow. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Watford, Hiddink admitted that there are doubts surrounding numerous players’ availabilities.
Willian was brought on as a late, and rather unnecessary, substitute during the club’s 5-1 romp of MK Dons. The Brazilian appeared to pick up a knock during his cameo appearance and the talismanic winger may not be fit for tomorrow evening’s fixture.
"Willian didn’t go on the pitch yesterday because he had bruising on his foot. Today he will be on the pitch and we’ll see how his reaction is after training."
This news will undoubtedly infuriate Blues fans who recognised that his introduction at the weekend was wholly unnecessary. Chelsea had already netted five goals by the time the Brazilian took the field and the experienced man that Hiddink is should have realised that it was not worth the risk.
Nevertheless, such is life. Fortunately, it appears to be no more than a knock and thus Willian does not face an extended stint on the sidelines.
New signing Alexandre Pato will also have his availability determined late. The paperwork that accompanied his loan deal has eaten into his preparation time, meaning that Hiddink may leave him out of the matchday squad tomorrow.
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"Yesterday he had to do bureaucratic stuff, which we have to accept, he was out of the country and had to get paperwork done…I don’t know if he’s up to the game but we’ll decide later this afternoon."
This is more significant given that Loic Remy is out with a calf injury. The Frenchman usually plays second fiddle to Diego Costa but he continues to struggle with fitness. Radamel Falcao, meanwhile, is unlikely to feature either with his injury status unknown. After desperately trying to force through a Stamford Bridge departure yesterday, it is unlikely that he will be selected even if available.
As a result, Chelsea face the prospect of going into a game with only one recognised striker yet again. Bertrand Traore has been deputising relatively well as a makeshift marksman, so expect him to step up to the plate if required.
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The other winter arrival, Matt Miazga, is fit and will undoubtedly be keen, but Hiddink will probably leave him out. Having said that, the lack of credible defensive options may force the Dutchman’s hands. We will just have to wait and see.
All quotes taken from chelseafc.com.