Tonight Chelsea could play another game without a striker. Twice in a row potentially, and several times this season the Blues have been forced to play with Eden Hazard as a false 9 thanks to a lack of availability or form of their strikers.
Michy Batshuayi has been let go on loan, Alvaro Morata’s injury is still bothering him, and new signing Olivier Giroud isn’t match fit.
Once again poor planning and the lack of foresight to prepare for these situations have put Antonio Conte’s team selection into difficulty. It’s perhaps no surprise that the Italian coach is seriously concerned about the club’s long term vision in terms of squad building.
With two key players in Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard coming to the end of their deals, the Blues are coming to a true crossroads in the recent history of the club.
What path they take is up to the board.
