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Premier League | Gameweek 20
Dec 30, 2018 at 12pm UK
 
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Sarri says injury-hit Chelsea are 'in trouble' ahead of hectic fixture schedule

Sarri says injury-hit Chelsea are 'in trouble' ahead of hectic fixture schedule
© Reuters
The Blues won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Maurizio Sarri says his Chelsea side are "in trouble" due to mounting injuries amid a hectic fixture schedule.

The Blues won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Sunday and face Southampton on Wednesday in their first of seven games in January.

Sarri, though, has a paucity of options as striker Olivier Giroud suffered an ankle injury, adding to injuries for Cesc Fabregas (neck), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (back), Pedro (hamstring) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring).

Chelsea's Olivier Giroud suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win at Crystal Palace
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win at Crystal Palace (John Walton/PA)

"We are in trouble because, in January, we have to play every three days," Sarri said.

"Fabregas' is a neck problem. The injury was in the last five minutes of training, so I'm not sure whether he has to rest for two or 10 days."

Sarri was waiting to learn the full extent of Giroud's injury, which could alter Chelsea's January plans.

Alvaro Morata has been linked with a loan move to AC Milan, with Gonzalo Higuain moving in the opposite direction.

Higuain, who played under Sarri at Napoli, is currently on loan at AC Milan from Juventus.

There could also be implications for Eden Hazard, who had been deployed as a 'false nine' in four straight league games and could be required to play there once again.

N'Golo Kante's goal six minutes into the second half proved decisive at Palace and, not for the first time, Sarri bemoaned his side's lack of cutting edge.

Sarri added: "For 85 minutes we were in full control without conceding anything to the opponents. I didn't like only that we weren't able to kill off the match before."

Palace boss Roy Hodgson is aiming to give his side more of a goal threat by recruiting Dominic Solanke on loan from Liverpool.

Dominic Solanke is expected to move to Crystal Palace on loan from Liverpool
Dominic Solanke is expected to move to Crystal Palace on loan from Liverpool (Mike Egerton/PA)

"It's no secret he's a target," said Hodgson, whose side play Wolves on Wednesday.

"What would he do? Provide an attacking threat. He's a proven goalscorer through all the age groups at (former club) Chelsea and England.

"If he comes here, it'll be up to him to show he can do that in Premier League football.

"He's someone with the profile we're looking for, and the ability we are looking for."

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Davide Zappacosta in action for Chelsea in the FA Cup on January 28, 2018
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