Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Tuesday, March 2.
Blues handed Callum Hudson-Odoi boost
Callum Hudson-Odoi looks set to win his respective fitness battle in a bid to be available for Chelsea’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Thursday evening.
The right-sided wing-back, who has impressed since Thomas Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge, was brought off at half time during Sunday’s goalless draw with Manchester United and was seen with an ice pack strapped to his left thigh as he watched the second half from the bench.
However, he looks set to win his battle in the race to be fit enough for the eagerly anticipated showdown with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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“[He’s] a little bit injured,” said Tuchel when asked about why Hudson-Odoi was replaced on Sunday. “So reason was a tactical decision and little injury combination.
We switched to a back five in defence [for the second half] and covered the right position of Marcus Rashford in between Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) and Reece James in the second half.
“It was not an option to use Callum there. That’s why it was a tactical choice.”
To read the full story, click here.
Chelsea fans struggling to understand Gilmour decision
Chelsea fans have been left scratching their heads after Billy Gilmour featured for the club’s Under-23s against Leicester City on Monday evening.
Gilmour looked destined to leave the Blues on loan for the remainder of the season towards the end of the January transfer window only for Tuchel to block it at the last minute, eager for him to stay at Stamford Bridge and be a part of his plans.
However, that has not happened, with the Scotsman featuring just once since the German succeeded Frank Lampard.
Thus, with the midfielder now playing in the Under-23s, some fans have questioned the decision to block a loan move if he is going to be stuck playing at youth level for the remainder of the campaign.
Click here to see what some Blues fans have had to say on the matter.
Villa told to abandon Barkley plan
Aston Villa should ditch any plans to sign Ross Barkley on a permanent basis and concentrate on launching a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.
That is according to former Villa and England striker Emile Heskey.
Barkley joined Villa on loan from the Blues back in September and got off to a flying start, playing a key role in their memorable 7-2 win over Liverpool. However, Barkley’s form has dropped recently, raising questions about whether or not Villa will wish to sign the Chelsea loanee on a permanent basis.
“I’ve seen a little bit of Berge and he looks very technical,” Heskey told HITC, as quoted by BirminghamLive.
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“He drives with the ball as well. I couldn’t work out whether he’s a sitting midfielder, an eight or a ten but he gets into certain areas and creates havoc.
“He’s very, very good at picking passes. I could see him fitting at Villa.
“Where would he fit? I’m not sure. It will be interesting to see. He’s not old so he’d definitely be a good addition.
“Do they take Barkley? Do they send him back and then take Berge? Yeah, I think it’s a good option.”