Ivanovic an option at centre-back – Hiddink

Guus Hiddink has suggested that he will consider deploying Branislav Ivanovic at centre-back during Kurt Zouma’s absence.

With Zouma having been sidelined for several months with knee injury, Gary Cahill is expected to return to the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Recent signing Matt Miazga is another option, while youngster Jake Clarke-Salter has been training with the first team this week.

And moving Ivanovic, whose performances at right-back have attracted criticism this season, into the centre of defence would probably see Cesar Azpilicueta switch to the right, with Baba Rahman coming in for the Spaniard at left-back.

“We have the kid from the academy who is now with us and also Matt, who joined us a few weeks ago,” said Blues boss Hiddink.

“We will see what will happen, but inside the first squad of let’s say 16 or 17 players we can also make some variations with Ivanovic, with Baba, Azpilicueta – we have some options to choose.”

Hiddink has also hinted that Chelsea would block any move for Loic Remy, who has been linked with transfer to China.