Maurizio Sarri is waiting to discover the extent of Alvaro Morata’s knee injury after the striker was substituted in Chelsea’s 2-2 Europa League Group L draw at Vidi in Budapest.
Morata was taken off in the first half, with his replacement Olivier Giroud scoring the equaliser which spared Chelsea from an embarrassing defeat at the Groupama Arena.
Morata and Giroud have shared the striking responsibilities this season, although Eden Hazard was deployed as a ‘false nine’ in last Saturday’s win against Manchester City.
A first Chelsea change: Morata, who picked up a knock, is replaced by Giroud on the stroke of half-time… #VIDIvCFC #VIDIvCFC pic.twitter.com/JANuZtP2uL — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 13, 2018
The Blues have five remaining matches in December and should Morata be ruled out for any length of time, it would place additional strain on Giroud.
Sarri said: “The first impression of the doctor (is) maybe it is not a serious injury.
“But, of course, with this situation we have to wait and wait until tomorrow I think to see if the situation is serious.”
The Italian had admitted on the eve of the match that it might be difficult to rouse his players for the contest, given nothing was riding on the outcome, with Chelsea already through as group winners.
Willian’s free-kick after 30 minutes was cancelled out immediately by an Ethan Ampadu own goal and Loic Nego struck a sumptuous volley after 56 minutes to give Vidi the lead.
But Giroud’s fine free-kick 15 minutes from time earned a draw.
Sarri added: “We made a lot of mistakes from the tactical point of view. I am very happy with the character and with the reaction from the second goal.
“On the pitch there was a lot of young players so it wasn’t easy to react.
“From the tactical point of view we made a lot of mistakes. We lost a lot of ball. We can manage the ball better I think. At the end, especially with the young players I am satisfied with the character.”
WHAT A GOAL! 🙌 2-2! [75'] #VIDIvCFC pic.twitter.com/sI9GwQGxui — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 13, 2018
Sarri absolved Ampadu of blame for the own goal, which came following a corner and Marko Scepovic’s header.
The Blues boss said: “It is not the fault of Ampadu. I think he played a very good match, especially in a team like this.”
Ampadu was one of two 18-year-olds who started for Chelsea. The other was Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was praised by the Italian.
Sarri said: “I am really very happy with Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Of course they need to improve in every way, tactically and technically, but they are in the right way.”
Vidi finished third, as BATE Borisov joined Chelsea in the knockout stages.
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