Chelsea are unlikely to hand Matt Miazga his Blues debut anytime soon, even after Kurt Zouma picked up a knee injury against Manchester United on Sunday.
According to the Daily Star, Guus Hiddink is reluctant to play his new signing at all this season, and it appears the club don’t think he’s ready for top competition.
Zouma, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, will be out for around six months.
However, Chelsea have a strong backup in the form of Gary Cahill, who is likely to slot in next to John Terry for the rest of this season. Cahill, who was a regular last season, has been left out since the arrival of Guus Hiddink and has played just 13 Premier League games this season.
If either of those two players pick up an injury or suspension, then Hiddink will have a decision to make, as the Blues would be left short at the back. Branislav Ivanovic may be forced to switch into the centre of defence, as he has done before, should the boss require it.
It was reported that Chelsea beat a number of other teams to Miazga’s signature in January, but the club appear unwilling to risk the young centre-back at this time.
The 20-year-old had played just 34 MLS games since making his debut for the New York Red Bulls in 2013. He scored one goal during his time with the club, before moving to Chelsea.
Miazga will likely watch from the stands this Saturday, as the Blues host Newcastle in the Premier League, looking for their first win in February.
