Chelsea transfer news: Gonzalo Higuain won't make debut against Tottenham, Maurizio Sarri confirms

The Blues host Tottenham in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Thursday

Ben Burrows
Wednesday 23 January 2019 14:41 GMT
Comments
January transfer window 2019: Premier League transfer round-up

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Gonzalo Higuain - but the Argentine striker won't be eligible to make his debut against Tottenham on Thursday.

The Blues host Tottenham in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, bidding to overturn a 1-0 deficit to reach the February 24 final.

They had to register Higuain by noon on Wednesday but despite the deal being close to completion the club missed the deadline.

"They're a few hours into signing a contract today," manager Maurizio Sarri confirmed in his pre-match press conference but was pessimistic of his newest player being able to play on Thursday.

"It's impossible. I don't know because I have to speak to the doctor.," he added. "I haven't seen him before. I think for tomorrow it's impossible."

Higuain scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A games in his one season under Sarri at Napoli but has managed only one in his last 12 appearances while on loan at AC Milan.

"We hope he'll bring goals, he'll start scoring for us," Sarri added. "It's very difficult in January to find one of the most important strikers in the world.

"So I think the club is working very well because it's not easy to get a new striker."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in