‘Maybe it’s time to see’: Maurizio Sarri set to hand Ruben Loftus-Cheek chance to impress in Europa League as squad train at Cobham before Vidi visit
- Chelsea are likely to ring the changes for the Europa League visit of Vidi
- Maurizio Sarri hinted he would give a rare start to Ruben Loftus-Cheek
- The first team spent time training at Cobham ahead of the group stage clash
- Blues beat PAOK in first match and Sarri insists he wants to win the competition
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could feature for Chelsea in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Hungarian champions Vidi, with Maurizio Sarri set to make changes.
The England midfielder has recovered from a shin problem, head coach Sarri said, and could be included, with Pedro another possible change after the winger shrugged off a shoulder problem.
Sarri said: ‘I have to speak to Pedro. He’s doing better, like Loftus-Cheek. And so I think tomorrow every player is available.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be given a rare start against Vidi in Chelsea’s Europa League tie
Maurizio Sarri insisted he wanted to win the competition despite ringing the changes
David Luiz played against Liverpool and may be one of several players rested for the Blues
‘I have to change five, six, seven players – I don’t know at the moment (how many).’
Sarri dropped a bigger hint that Thursday would be Loftus-Cheek’s first start of the season.
‘Maybe tomorrow it’s time to see Loftus-Cheek, I think,’ Sarri added.
‘He was unlucky in the last three weeks, after the national team (break). He had a problem. In the last five, six days, he has been better, so I think he is able to play tomorrow.’
After his star turns against Liverpool, Eden Hazard was back out on the training pitch
The head coach admitted Loftus-Cheek needed to work hard to adapt to his tactical demands
Chelsea beat PAOK 1-0 in their first Europa League game and will want to continue their form
Willian takes a tumble during as the squad undergo a series of training drills in Surrey
Chelsea opened their Group L campaign with a 1-0 win at PAOK in Greece and Sarri wants to go all the way in the competition and win his first trophy while also qualifying for the Champions League.
Sarri added: ‘I think at the moment for my club it’s more important to be in the Champions League. To play in the Champions League is more important at the moment. I want to arrive in the end in the Europa League.
‘I am here to win, I want to win, I want to win something. I hope to be able to do it.’
Jorginho (l) and defender Emerson share a joke during the training session at Cobham
Wales teenager Ethan Ampadu is another who may be afforded a first team chance
Despite featuring rarely under Maurizio Sarri, Cesc Fabregas may get a run out on Thursday
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