Sarri gets some welcome news on the injury front

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has received some positive news on the injury front.

Already without Pedro, Olivier Giroud and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Sarri lost Willian during the first half of the goalless draw against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian went off following a challenge from Maya Yoshida and was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but Sarri does not believe the problem is serious.

And Sarri has revealed that Pedro and Giroud should soon be available again.

Pedro has responded well to treatment for a hamstring problem, while an ankle injury Giroud suffered against Crystal Palace is not as serious as it initially seemed.

Sarri said: “I think that Willian’s injury is not really very serious. The report of the doctor is also that Pedro is not serious. I think that in one week Pedro will have training with his team-mates.”

As for Giroud, Sarri revealed:  “I think it’s better than what I thought after the match against Crystal Palace. The doctor told me that in 10 days he will be able to have training.”

Chelsea’s shortage of attacking options showed against the Saints, who defended resolutely.

Alvaro Morata, restored to the side by Sarri, again struggled in front of goal.

Sarri admitted: “Of course this game was difficult for me because Pedro was out, Odoi was out, Giroud was out and after 35 minutes also Willian.

“On the bench I had only one offensive player, Loftus, but Loftus now is not physically at 100% – he has back trouble.”

Sarri also suggested that he wants Chelsea to sign a striker during this month’s transfer window.