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.
Brighton seal FA Cup semi spot after beating Millwall on penalties The other semi-final will be contested between Watford and Wolves after Nuno Espirito Santo's men dumped Manchester United out of
FA Cup 2019: Manchester City set to face Watford in final at
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 28, 2019, with the headline ''Serene' Quagliarella becomes Italy's oldest scorer at 36'. Print Edition | Subscribe
'Serene' Quagliarella becomes Italy's oldest scorer at 36
Football: Eden Hazard's supporting cast must step up to liberate Belgian and match City's match-winners. Feb 8, 2019, 11:15 pm Quick Foxes could ambush Pep's men. Dec 25, 2018, 5:00 am. premium.
ValpoAthletics.com - Valpo Football Adds 12 to Recruiting Class
In France, there will arguably be no bigger star on show than Marta. The Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and she still knows how to strike fear into the hearts of
The Standard - Kenya: CS Amina Mohamed surprises Harambee
Tottenham vs Liverpool, the 2019 Champions League final. After two incredible comebacks - Liverpool vs Barcelona and Spurs against Ajax - we have an all-English final. There is exclusive live
Football: Liverpool and Spurs fans call on sponsors to hand
Pep Guardiola is not concerned about the way his Manchester City players use social media, despite a post from Kyle Walker that appeared to mock Premier League title rivals, Liverpool.
Guardiola not worried about Manchester City players' social
It's off to all the races as Harrah's offers full-card Philadelphia simulcasting of both thoroughbred and standardbred signals, seven days a week. Harrah's Philadelphia Racetrack and Casino also provides a state-of-the-art indoor wagering area with plenty of seating and simulcast video options.
Qatar thrash UAE amid shoe barrage to reach Asian Cup final getty, Francois Nel Qatar punished unwelcoming hosts United Arab Emirates 4-0 in a politically charged clash marred by disgraceful behaviour from shoe-throwing fans Tuesday to reach their first Asian Cup final.
Football: Qatar thrash UAE amid shoe barrage to reach Asian
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian captain Thiago Silva has been granted French citizenship, he announced on Twitter on Friday. The 34-year-old's decision means PSG have an extra space in their squad for a non-EU player. Silva has played 274 games since joining the reigning Ligue 1 champions in 2012 and has 77 caps for Brazil.
PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship
Cristiano Ronaldo insists there is nothing to fear after suffering a hamstring injury in Portugal's 1-1 draw against Serbia on Monday, adding that he is "not worried" about it going forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo vows to return in 2 weeks amid fears of
Soccer: Juve foiled by Gervinho brace after leading 3-1. 3 Min Read. MILAN (Reuters) - Parma forward Gervinho scored twice as his team hit back from 3-1 behind on Saturday to draw 3-3 at Serie A
Juve foiled by Gervinho brace after leading 3-1 - YouTube
6 Tips for Hammering and Forming Metal from Master Metalsmith Bill Fretz October 10, 2011 | Comment on this Article When I saw master metalsmith and toolmaker Bill Fretz 's first DVD about hammering and forming metal jewelry, I was amazed at how effortless and easy he made it look to create bangles using only brass tubing, hammers, and stakes.
Holding Out for the Best Framing Hammer | Pro Tool Reviews
Football: Palace climb away from troube with 3-1 win at
Football: Mourinho rejects offers, reveals fragile ego at United. Jan 21, 2019, 5:00 am. Football: Snowflakes? Mourinho reveals fragile ego of mystery Man United star. Jan 20, 2019, 3:47 am.
Snowflakes? Mourinho reveals fragile ego of mystery Man
0 comments:
Post a Comment