Hiddink hints at increased roles for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traoré

It's taken him a few games, but after getting to know the squad personally, Guus Hiddink has started to come true on his supposed mandate to not only improve Chelsea's results, but to give youth a (bit more) chance.  While understandably none of the fringe youngsters in the first-team squad were involved against Arsenal — another thing that seems clear with Hiddink is that he's unlikely use substitutions if he doesn't need to — all three of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, and Bertrand Traoré have seen more involvement lately.  In the latter's case that's been largely limited to bench appearances, but it's still better than nothing, right?

(Not by much.)

It would appear however that things are starting to look up, and if the Daily Mail's report is to be believed, Traoré could be in line for some actual minutes and meaningful appearances, especially if Loïc Rémy's sale goes through as planned.  One of the worries about a Rémy sale is that it would leave Chelsea shorthanded at striker (especially if Costa's injury issues continue flaring up), but if Traoré is (finally) ready to be trusted, that could alleviate any such worries.

Bertrand Traore will be given his chance to prove he can be a long-term solution to Chelsea's issues with strikers after he impressed playing for the Under 21s last week in front of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and interim manager Guus Hiddink.

-source: Mail

Traoré had been linked tenuously with loan moves away to England or France, but it looks like he's staying and, hopefully, playing.

Meanwhile, Ruben Loftus-Cheek's name is back in the media again, this time being touted as the player who allowed us to let Ramires leave.

"We can [now] give the youngsters a chance as well to show themselves. [Loftus-Cheek] did very well in training the other day and the youngsters will have opportunities. That made it easier towards the future to let Ramires go."

-Guus Hiddink; source: ESPN

Of course, talk is just talk and it's cheap.  But today's match against Championship strugglers MK Dons would be a perfect opportunity to see this in action, no?