If there wasn't picture evidence to prove it, you would find it hard to believe that Cesc Fabregas has now resorted to playing reserve football to get minutes under his belt. The Spain international took part in Monday's Under-23 clash against Southampton, the day after the Blues first-team had overcome Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Premier League. One thing that seems incontestable is the fact that Antonio Conte does not seem to view the Catalan as being an integral part of his plans for success at Stamford Bridge. Fabregas has played just under 90 minutes in total in the league this season and has started one game, their 3-0 thrashing away to his former club Arsenal. Since that day on September 24, the player has not taken part in a competitive senior game for the club but all may not be quite as it seems.
Part of the reason for that, it is true, is that Conte is happy with the work that N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic are doing in midfield which has helped the side to a six-game winning run without conceding any goals. However, another factor is that the midfielder has been struggling to shake off a small but persistent thigh injury. Another important thing to note is that Fabregas voluntarily requested the opportunity to take part in Monday's Under-23 fixture. Conte agreed and the ex-Barcelona star went on to help Chelsea to a 3-2 victory in a game that was played at their Cobham training ground in London, playing the entire game in the process. Fabregas was not alone in the side though as other players making their comeback from injury such as Kurt Zouma and John Terry took part, while Michy Batshuayi and Marco van Ginkel took part in order to pick up match sharpness.
Thus, despite the media frenzy that took place over Fabregas' inclusion in Monday's game, the player has told those close to him that he does not regret taking part at all. One question that does arise from Fabregas' participation is; are his days at Chelsea numbered, with a January transfer possibly on the cards? Obviously his relationship with Conte is a little strained at present, understandable when a top level player like Fabregas isn't receiving regular playing time. However, football often takes many twists and turns and who knows what will happen between now and Christmas. The possibility of a transfer is there but it should be noted that teams like Sevilla have already ruled themselves out of such a transfer due to the cost involved. Will he go in the winter? Or stay to play a part? Watch this space.
Comments
Post a Comment