Fitness issues galore for Chelsea strikers and forwards, and John Terry, too

Manager Guus Hiddink gave a run-down of Chelsea's mounting injury issues as he addressed the media earlier today ahead of tomorrow's match at Carrow Road. First up was Pedro, and the manager confirmed that the in-form Spaniard will not take part for for a few days.  We're expecting at least a week out with the hamstring injury, possibly more.

Guus doesn't expect Pedro to be fit in the next few days. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 29 de fevereiro de 2016

In slightly better news, Alexandre Pato, who can deputize at both center forward and left wing, has finally gotten into match fitness, and could feature in the Norwich match - albeit not for the entire game.

Guus says Pato is not ready for 90 minutes but he is ready to play part of the game. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 29 de fevereiro de 2016

Pato's improving fitness comes at a good time as Diego Costa has now started 12 matches in a row and is due for a rest.

Guus says Diego Costa could be rested in one of our next two games. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 29 de fevereiro de 2016

Our January loan signing is expected to compete with Bertrand Traore for Costa's backup role.  Meanwhile, nobody's talking at all about Loic Remy, who's still with the club (the Chinese transfer window has now also closed), so who knows what his status or role may be going forward.

"Pato is eager and there is healthy competition among the strikers with Diego as number one, it's a very good atmosphere. The others have stepped up and I'm happy with the progress of Bertrand Traore."

"He's not ready for 90 minutes but he's ready to play part of the game. That's why I said in his situation the best thing was to have him on loan, so he could get used to the club and the club could make a proper judgement on his performances. We have to be careful with some players that they're not going over the top with their physical load."

-Guus Hiddink; source: Chelsea FC

Speaking of being careful, Chelsea are continuing to take it easy with John Terry, and Hiddink said that they will be monitoring his reactions to assess whether it's worth risking using him this week.

"John is doing some running. We'll see how he reacts after training this week. I'm cautious, because with these type of injuries there is a danger of getting a setback. You must be careful."

-Guus Hiddink; source: West London Sport

One thing seems clear, after three games in a row with an unchanged starting lineup, changes will be made tomorrow.