There was a loud cry from sections of Chelsea supporters for Kai Havertz to play a prominent role against Everton tonight.
Carlo Ancelotti returns to Stamford Bridge with a strong Toffees side, who are just a point behind their hosts in fifth place.
They will face a Chelsea team who are 10 games unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel in all competitions and are making a very strong challenge for Champions League football next season.
This relentless run has largely been done without Havertz anywhere near the line-up.
However, plenty of Blues fans were hungry for their German star to get a taste of the action later today.
If selected against Everton, it would only be Havertz’s second start for Tuchel.
He’s been playing catch up with injuries that’s limited him to a handful of cameo appearances coming off the bench.
Chelsea will be anxious to see some results from their £140,000 per-week (Spotrac) summer singing, who is yet to deliver the goods in England.
With the form Tuchel’s team are enjoying at the moment, it may be difficult for Havertz to wiggle is way in to a successful system.
Although the Blues boss has demonstrated on numerous occasions he is open to change and handing players a fair opportunity to prove they’re worthy of his attention.
Havertz simply has to impress at every given moment he’s on the pitch, whether as a starter or a substitute.
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As much as I want to see Kai in from the off, I still don’t see it happening.
Chelsea have got something very good going on here and it would be unwise to disrupt it.
But Tuchel’s willingness to rotate gives him a lifeline and one he cannot waste away.
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