Chelsea manager has hinted that their January signing Alexandre Pato could make his debut for the West London club against Norwich City on Tuesday night. The former Brazil international joined the Blues from Corinthians in January but was said to be struggling with fitness issues. After attending several training sessions at his new club, the Dutch tactician now believes that the 26-year-old is raring to go.
The West Londoners are preparing to face French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the return leg of their Champions League fixture at the Stamford Bridge on May 9, a match that they need to win and avoid conceding to progress to the next round. For that reason, the on-form Diego Costa could be rested to pave way for the Brazilian to make his debut.
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Speaking during a pre-match press conference, the interim Chelsea boss said:
''There is a possibility, [Pato will play] yes. We have two league games coming up before PSG.
"He is not ready for 90 minutes but he is able to play part of the game. But once more I say that we consider also the chances for the young guys.
He then added:
"He is eager and we have also a healthy competition between the strikers in a very good atmosphere. Diego is the No. 1 but the others have stepped up. I'm especially happy with the progress of Bertrand Traore.
"Although he (Traore) is a young guy and the others might have more status, I'm not just looking at that. I'm looking also at the youngsters who are making good progress, and then [Pato] and Remy are also in a good position to compete.’’
Ahead of their trip to Carrow Road, The Blues sit at the 11th position, and could rise to the 8th spot if they win the away Premier League fixture. On the other hand, the hosts sit just one place above the relegation zone and will be hoping to secure all the three points or risk sinking further.
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