Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink revealed he didn’t bring Alexandre Pato on against West Ham United yesterday as he had other options at his disposal.
The forward is yet to make an appearance for the Blues since joining on loan from Corinthians, and was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw at home to West Ham, with Pedro, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traore all being used instead.
With Diego Costa suspended, Loic Remy was afforded a starting berth against West Ham, but the Frenchman failed to find the net before he was replaced by Traore.
Hiddink told the club’s official website: “When Costa is not there we have Remy, we also have Traore and Pato. They are competing for the second spot. I make my judgement on what we see. Loftus-Cheek is strong, can penetrate and he can play physically and technically well, which he showed. You have to make a choice on who to bring on.”
At present the loan signing of Pato seems a rather bizarre one, with the Brazilian appearing to lack sharpness.
Pato has struggled for form and fitness in recent seasons and it seems unlikely that the forward will be making a permanent switch to the club.
In the end it was midfielder Cesc Fabregas who was Chelsea’s saviour, with the Spaniard scoring a free-kick on the stroke of half-time and a penalty late in the second half to earn the Blues a point.
Chelsea, who have created 327 chances in the Premier League this season, travel to face struggling Aston Villa in their next fixture.
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