LONDON • Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has backed Gonzalo Higuain to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge as the Argentinian striker prepares for his Chelsea debut.
Higuain joined the club on loan from Juventus last Thursday and could make his first appearance for the Blues in the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday today.
"There are players who need to be rested and it could be an opportunity," Zola told reporters on Friday.
The 31-year-old was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's League Cup semi-final win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, but had not completed his move in time to be registered for that match.
If Higuain does start against second-tier Wednesday at the Bridge, he would likely take the place of Olivier Giroud, who has scored just once in his last 12 appearances.
Giroud and Spaniard Alvaro Morata have both struggled so badly this season that Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri made Higuain his top target in the January transfer window.
Zola expects the former Real Madrid star, who spent the first half of this season on loan at AC Milan, to get up to speed quickly in his first taste of English football.
"We're talking about a player who has scored not only in Italy but everywhere, also in the Champions League," Zola added.
"I'm sure he can handle expectations. He's always produced good numbers wherever he's been. We're going to help Higuain to get his goals."
Higuain thrived during his time playing for Sarri at Napoli, scoring a Serie A record 36 goals in 2015-16.
He also played with Chelsea midfielder Jorginho at Napoli and Zola hopes that extra familiarity will play a role in helping Higuain slot into the team.
"It's a system he knows very well, so this is a big advantage. The type of players will help him to do what he does best," Zola said.
"The conditions are good. There is no problem there."
While Chelsea have added a new striker, the injury woes up front for their London rivals Tottenham could force the club to return to the transfer market.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino had expected the club to sit out the current transfer period as they budget for the cost of their long-delayed new stadium.
But Tottenham, who face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fourth round today, have been rocked by injuries to Harry Kane and Dele Alli, with the duo ruled out until March.
Adding to Pochettino's frustration, Moussa Sissoko and Ben Davies also suffered injuries against Chelsea.
Asked whether there was a chance of making a signing before Thursday's transfer deadline, Pochettino said: "Always, we'll see. Still six days. We are working. We have a few options.
"We are always hoping to try to add quality and try to improve the squad. We are open (to make a move) like always. Different options. In England, outside of England."
Tottenham's problems eased a little on Friday when South Korea were knocked out of the Asian Cup by Qatar, meaning Son Heung-min will be back with the team earlier than expected.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
CRYSTAL PALACE V TOTTENHAM
Singtel TV Ch111, 11.55pm
CHELSEA V SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Ch111, tomorrow, 2am
Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says Sarri By Mod - 2019-04-05 18:17:39 - [ ] Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on April 3, 2019.
Premier League: Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says
Arnautovic ends drought as West Ham sink Southampton
Misbehaving England fans 'not welcome in football', says FA. cannot be seen as true England supporters and are not welcome in football. They are an embarrassment to the team and the thousands
FA release statement over England fan violence in Portugal
Ikhsan Fandi scores first competitive goal for Norwegian club Ikhsan Fandi's (blue boots) Raufoss teammates chase him after his last-gasp goal gave his side a 3-2 win over Skeid Fotball. PHOTO
Football: Ikhsan Fandi scores first competitive goal for
As you continue in this union, you already know that it will continue to take hard work and a lot of love, to keep your relationship an ongoing success. I know the words that you speak today, come with heartfelt sincerity, respect and expectation towards the future golden years that you reaffirm in the promises and vows you are about to exchange.
PDF internationalgei.com
internationalgei.com/materials/7_vows_of_success.pdf
continued,s a he looked around at each of his partners. "Piece by piece we areismembering d the principles that made us a success. Our story is not ahilosophy p of management, it is about life! Our company was alive, it breathed,t i was our identity, and now it is dead. We sold it, and now it will
What Happened When I Took a Vow of Silence - success.com
The tactic that frustrates a lot of Spurs fans arguably the most about Pochettino. By. waited too long and Spurs paid the price. path of complacency, and we
Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino warns Tottenham against
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has unfinished business with Chelsea The suspended England midfielder could only watch helplessly from the stand. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has unfinished business with Chelsea as the 2014 defeat to Jose Mourinho's side which sank their Premier League title bid still hurts.
Stadium Switch Poised To Lift Spurs Football News Top Stories. Football King Backs Big Sam To Make A Difference News. Sol Cbell The Invincibles Hero Loved At Nal
Spurs poised for new era as they officially open new stadium
(Reuters) - France midfielder Paul Pogba believes England's Raheem Sterling is sometimes treated differently by the British media because he is black and does not get the recognition he deserves for his achievements. Speaking ahead of France's Euro 2020 qualifier against Moldova on Friday, the
Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media
Football: 'Adulting' Ikhsan finds his footing in Norway, Football News & Top Stories May 22, 2019 John Football 0 SINGAPORE - He may still be some way off his ultimate ambition of playing in a top European league, but Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi is definitely making progress in the right direction, after scoring his first two goals in
Watch: Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi scores first goal for
After spending a lot of time and points on PAP'ing the same gun.. Devs then said NO damage is increased only an added scope/attachment. Subscribe for more Zo
Pack-A-Punched Weapons - Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Wiki Guide
0 comments:
Post a Comment