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.
Burnley moved five points clear of the relegation zone after a 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Burnley boost survival hopes with 2-0 win over Wolves Asked if Wolves
Football: Burnley boost survival hopes with 2-0 win over Wolves
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found. An internal feasibility study
APNewsBreak: FIFA study backs 48-team World Cup in 2022
Jesus Shines As City Regain Top Spot, Eriksen Fires Spurs Manchester City swept back to the top of the Premier League as Gabriel Jesus struck twice in the champions' 3-1 win over Everton, while
Gabriel Jesus shines as Manchester City regain top spot
Klopp hails departing Sturridge as 'modern-day Liverpool great' according to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. Xhaka turns attention to Nations League after Europa League defeat.
Klopp hails 'outstanding' Reds, turns attention to Barca
fishinghd.com/2019/05/02/klopp-hails-outstanding-reds-turns-attention-to-barca.html
Home / Sports / Klopp hails 'outstanding' Reds, turns attention to Barca Klopp hails 'outstanding' Reds, turns attention to Barca. Arthur Torres | Thursday, May 02, 2019.
Klopp hails departing Sturridge as 'modern-day Liverpool
Football: Despite squad overhaul, Albirex Niigata's target
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash Date created : 16/02/2019 - 20:52 Danish forward Yussuf Poulsen scored twice on Saturday in RB Leipzig's impressive 3-1 win at strugglers
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/02/16/ten-man-schalke-draw-blank-ahead-of-man-city-clash/
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash AFP February 16, 2019 AFP No Comments Berlin (AFP) - Schalke 04 warmed-up for the Champions League visit of Manchester City with a goalless draw at home to fellow Bundesliga strugglers Freiburg on Saturday.
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Manchester City clash
Eden Hazard must deliver more to realise his full potential and help dig Chelsea out of a slump in form, manager Maurizio Sarri said on Wednesday. Eden Hazard Sarri heavily criticised his side's
Chelsea boss Sarri demands more from 'individual' Hazard
The homes of Alves' team mates Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thiago Silva were also broken into in November and December during matches, L'Equipe said. Burglars entered Alves house in Neuilly-sur-Seine, just outside of Paris, on Wednesday while he was playing a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier.
PSG's Dani Alves house burgled during match - L'Equipe
Football: Baihakki gets fresh shot at Thai top tier Less than three weeks before he turns 35 on Jan 31, national defender Baihakki Khaizan is counting his blessings after he signed a one-year contract with Thai League 1 side Trat FC on Friday.
Johor Darul Takzim - Kashima Antlers Live Stream]~ | Buffalo
Jan 1 (Reuters)- Tottenham moved back into second place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, after cruising to a 3-0 win at lowly Cardiff City on Tuesday.
Spurs back up to second after easy win in Cardiff
dailynewschannels.com/2019/01/03/spurs-back-up-to-second-after-easy-win-in-cardiff.html
Spurs back up to second after easy win in Cardiff 03/01/2019 Tottenham surrendered the chance to establish themselves as Liverpool FC's closest rivals in the Premier League title race after having scored 11 times in two games.
Spurs back up to second after win at Cardiff | IOL
May 19, 2019 · Messi also led La Liga this season with 13 assists, 136 shots, 85 shots on target and 70 through balls. In terms of successful dribbles, Messi's 132 fell seven short of Celta Vigo's Sofiane
Fulham equalled their own Premier League record of three successive wins as Dutchman Babel struck a fierce first-time shot 11 minutes from time Babel strike leaves Cardiff on brink of relegation Home
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