The strength of Chelsea’s first team squad sees a number of top players forced to watch from the sidelines, and Ajax manager John Heitinga is stunned one of them isn’t a regular starter.
The Blues take on the Dutch side in their third Champions League group stage game, with them recovering from defeat against Bayern Munich to narrowly beat Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
Enzo Maresca has a number of key injuries to deal with going into the clash at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer is the highlight absentee, while there are still doubts over Enzo Fernandez’s fitness.
Chelsea had a number of youngsters involved in training ahead of the game, with an eye towards a Champions League debut on Wednesday night.
Ajax v AZ Alkmaar - Dutch Eredivisie
Photo by Peter Lous/EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ajax manager John Heitinga stunned Jorrel Hato doesn’t play for Chelsea more
One of their summer signings who will also be looking to make an appearance is Jorrel Hato. The game holds extra importance for him as he would be coming up against his former side.
Despite signing for big money for a youngster, the Netherlands international has had to wait patiently for his opportunities in place of Marc Cucurella, and Heitinga believes he is the perfect example to showcase just how strong the Chelsea squad is.
He said to The Straits Times: “Just to give an example – Jorrel Hato, one of our best players at Ajax last season, is on the (Chelsea) bench and hardly plays. I think that says a lot about Chelsea’s quality, because Jorrel was a game-changer for us.”
Heitinga has already praised Chelsea’s speed and power ahead of the game, with the Blues looking to add to Ajax’s miserable start to the campaign in Europe.
Jorrel Hato playing for Chelsea against Brighton in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Hato impressing since joining Chelsea
Despite having limited opportunities for the first team since joining, the Dutchman has made an impression on his teammates and coaches since joining the club.
Tosin Adarabioyo recently stated that Hato was impressing in training, and the impact his departure has left on the Eredivisie club is clear to see.
Ajax’s win rate has tumbled since Hato left, after he had established himself as a key member of their backline before his big move to the Premier League.
With Cucurella looking crucial for domestic games, the youngster could be handed the chance to impress up against his former club.