Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has said that he does not have a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas in the ranks amid suggestions that the Spaniard is close to leaving the Blues. The midfielder has struggled for starts under Sarri over the course of the campaign but the Italian has nevertheless considered him as a valuable contributor from the bench.

Speaking to reporters, Sarri admitted that he would be disappointed with the probable departure of Fabregas, given he has only two players including Jorginho, who provide similar attributes on the playing field, he said: “In this position we have only two players, Jorginho and Fabregas, so for me it would be really a problem without Cesc. I want him to stay, [but] I don’t know the final decision of Cesc and the club of course.”

Meanwhile,
“Chelsea managed a frustrating 0-0 draw against Southampton during their recent league game and speaking on the match“,Sarri indicated that he would prefer another new striker during the ongoing transfer window, he said: “On the bench I tried to do my job. I think we played a very good match for 80 metres of the pitch, then we were in trouble in the last 20 metres. We have to try to solve the problem of the last 15, 20 metres. The club knows “very well my opinion“. I think we need something different for characteristics.”

With the stalemate, the Blues have remained fourth on the table but they are facing a battle to maintain the final Champions League spot, given Arsenal and Manchester United are just three and six points behind them. Chelsea’s next league game comes against Newcastle United at the Bridge but prior to that, they have Cup appointments. The Blues are scheduled to host Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round this weekend. Thereafter, they make the trip across London to face Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final.