Solanke on standby for Arsenal clash

By

Youngster Dominic Solanke is on standby for Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday if Diego Costa is not deemed fit enough to play a part.

Veteran striker Didier Drogba has recovered from an ankle injury and is likely to lead the line at Emirates Stadium, but Loic Remy is expected to miss out with a calf problem.

Solanke, 17, was left out of Chelsea’s Under-21 squad for Thursday’s game against Everton and is likely to provide back-up to Droga should first-choice striker Costa not fully recover from his ongoing hamstring injury.

“Diego is nearly there,” manager Jose Mourinho said. “I would love Diego to be back but I trust the other people. Solanke did not play yesterday to be ready if we need him.”

Costa had to be replaced after coming on as a substitute against Stoke and has not played since.

But Mourinho has confirmed that the Brazilian-born Spain international will be involved against Leicester City on Wednesday even if he misses the leaders’ game against second-placed Arsenal.

“If not Arsenal then Leicester,” said Mourinho.

“We are coping for the difficulties of every match without him,” the Portuguese added. “The team is playing in a different way but we are doing our job.

“We are more strategic and less artistic but are getting results.”

Chelsea are 10 points clear of Arsenal with six games to play, and 11 points ahead of third-placed Manchester United, who have just five games remaining.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook