Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has suggested Alvaro Morata will started against Arsenal, and in an extended run of games beyond that.
The Italian was speaking to the media in his press conference on Friday.
In it, he was asked about Morata, who has struggled to adapt to English football.
The Spaniard started well last term but the goals dried up in 2018 and he appears to have been devoid of confidence.
Sarri backs his misfiring forward
Sarri has said that he isn’t worried about the striker’s concerning form and is backing him to improve this term
As quoted by the Evening Telegraph, the Italian said ahead of the Arsenal game: “I am not worried about Morata. Morata is a very good player.
“I think in this moment he needs only to gain confidence. But he’s a great player.
“He needs to gain confidence. But he’s improving. I’m not really worried.
“He needs to score. As do all strikers in the world, I think.”
Can Morata repay his faith?
That has to make the former Real Madrid man feel better about things. It surely suggests that the manager will resist the temptation to start Eden Hazard up top.
It’s a position the Belgian has operated in before, although more so as a false nine rather than an out-and-out striker.
The Blues also have World Cup winner Olivier Giroud available to them.
But it would appear Morata could be set for an extended run beyond the Arsenal game.
Sarri comes across as a loyal character. There’s every chance Morata will get the chance to turn around his fortunes at the Bridge.
It’s worth remembering that last season was Morata’s first as an undisputed first-choice striker in his career.
This term, with the backing of Sarri, he could finally start to prove his worth.