Chelsea
Chelsea Team News: Hiddink Rules Out Key Duo But Pato Could Feature vs Norwich
Guus Hiddink has confirmed two key men won’t make Chelsea’s trip to Norwich on Tursday night but Alexandre Pato could make his debut. See details here
Chelsea will look to continue their climb up the Premier League table when they take on Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, Guus Hiddink has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given a team news and injury update.
Unfortunately the interim Blues boss has confirmed that Pedro Rodriguez is a major doubt after being forced off during the early stages of Saturday’s 2-1 win at Southampton.
Pedro suffered a hamstring injury at St Mary’s and Hiddink doesn’t expect the winger to make a swift recovery meaning the 28-year-old is now set to miss the next two games while he could also be a doubt for next weeks huge Champions League second leg with PSG.
Hiddink also confirmed that John Terry is out of the trip to Carrow Road as the skipper continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Terry has already missed the last two weeks and Hiddink says that while the defender is doing some light training, he’s not ready to make his comeback.
However, Chelsea fans could get their first glimpse of January signing Alexandre Pato as the Blues boss revealed the Brazilian is now ready to play some first team minutes.
Speaking on Monday afternoon, Hiddink is quoted by Chelseafc.com as saying:
‘I will see Pedro now, yesterday he was here for treatment. Normally with these injuries I’m not that positive that it will be resolved in a few days but I need the information from my medical staff.”
‘We have a tight schedule, Norwich on Tuesday then we have Stoke and then Paris Saint-German and then the Everton game,’
‘I think he might be fit at that time but I don’t know if he’s fit for the Everton game.’
‘John is touching the pitch with some running and we’ll see how he reacts after training this week.
‘I’m a bit cautious because with these injuries there is a danger of setbacks. Regardless of age you must be very careful.
‘If there is a game (to aid his recovery) it will just be a six-a-side or seven-a-side, not a big game, an intense small game.’
“[Pato is] not ready for 90, but he is now coming into the last stage where he is able to play part of the game.’ Hiddink told the Daily Star.
With Terry ruled out, Hiddink is set to continue with Branislav Ivanovic alongside Gary Cahill at the back against Norwich while Oscar could get a recall in place of the injured Pedro.
