Chelsea will be without Samuel Eto’o against PSG, can their strikers step up?
Chelsea have travelled to Paris without Samuel Eto’o, who was injured early in the win over Arsenal.
While the Cameroonian has not been spectacular this season, he has been the best of an at times dreary bunch of strikers, and his hamstring strain is a real blow for the Blues.
The striker had begun to separate himself from the pack as Chelsea’s best option, and Jose Mourinho now faces a choice between Fernando Torres and Demba Ba up front.
| Player | Team | Goals | Apps | Mins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel Eto’o | Chelsea | 8 | 19 | 1,187 |
| Fernando Torres | Chelsea | 4 | 23 | 1,352 |
| Demba Ba | Chelsea | 3 | 15 | 377 |
Fernando Torres has been selected in two recent games, against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Chelsea fans won’t need reminding that both matches ended in defeat.
What’s more, Torres in both matches was woeful. During 11 combined attempts on goal, he failed to hit the target once, and is clearly out of form.
| Player | Match | Matchday | Total Scoring Att | Ontarget Scoring Att | Mins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Torres | Crystal Palace vs Chelsea | 32 | 6 | 0 | 90 |
| Fernando Torres | Aston Villa vs Chelsea | 30 | 5 | 0 | 67 |
By process of elimination, it may just be Demba Ba who should be granted an opportunity against PSG. The 28-year-old has been the odd man out in attack nearly all season long, with just three starts to his name – but does have five goals for his efforts.
Two of these came a month ago, late in a 4-0 win against Tottenham, although he has been unable to find the net in cameos since against Villa and Palace.
The decision is an unwelcome one for Mourinho to have to make, and emphasises clearly why the club need to buy big this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
