Chelsea won’t find out their opponents until the end of February for the Champions League Round of 16, but they’re already preparing.
The Blues obliterated Jamie Carragher’s Champions League prediction of not making it out of the group stage by booking an automatic place in the top eight.
Chelsea didn’t make it easy for themselves, though. A brace from Joao Pedro was enough to overcome Napoli after being 2-1 down in Naples.
And now Chelsea’s potential opponents will be the winner of either AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United vs Qarabag, who will be put into a draw at the end of the month.
With an eye on the knockout stages, Liam Rosenior has drafted in a new face to his squad.
Newcastle, PSG, Qarabag or Monaco – who are YOU picking? 👀
Chelsea's possible last 16 opponents…
The four teams Chelsea could face in the last 16
Mamadou Sarr appears in Chelsea’s Champions League squad
Chelsea recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg after registering an interest in bringing in a new defender.
The pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet, had Chelsea been successful, would have seen him join in the summer anyway, so it was the next best option.
Having gone with Mamadou Sarr, it appears as if Chelsea look to make the most of having him back in their ranks.
According to UEFA’s Champions League squad listings, Sarr has been added and Dario Essugo has been removed after suffering his injury.
Jamie Carragher owes Chelsea an apology ⏱️
What will his excuse be?
Jamie Carragher gets Chelsea Champions League prediction all wrong
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior’s stance on Mamadou Sarr
It’s clear that Liam Rosenior has big plans for Mamadou Sarr at Chelsea, despite being just 20.
Speaking after Sarr’s return from France, he revealed that he was the one who wanted him.
“I’m happy Mamadou Sarr has come back. I wanted him at Chelsea”.
Benoit Badiashile is thought to be surplus to requirements now, with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana all the preferred choices.
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