Gary Cahill’s finally completes his move to Chelsea. Fernando Torres takes up extra shooting training to help end his goal drought. Hatem Ben Arfa reiterates his frustration at a lack of game time, while Steve Kean is adamant Chris Samba is going nowehere:
Chelsea have this afternoon confirmed the transfer of Gary Cahill from Bolton for an undisclosed fee. Coming in at 5.2 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Cahill certainly offers a cheap route into Andre Villas-Boas’ back-four and looks likely to place a big question mark against the future game time of David Luiz in the heart of the Blues back-four. The Blues have hardly been kind for clean sheet returns though; last weekend’s 1-0 win over Sunderland was their first in seven games and only the second they have managed at the Bridge all season.
Chelsea coach Steve Holland has revealed Fernando Torres is taking extra training sessions in order to end his scoring drought. The Blues’ record signing has failed to find the net since gameweek 6 and has scored just twice this season. Torres picked up an assist in the 1-0 win over Sunderland, with Frank Lampard slotting home after the Spaniard’s effort had hit the bar and looked busy throughout. Holland went on to say:
His finishing is looking very good in training, the ball is flying in. I have personally spent some time with him on making sure [he’s in the right position]. Sometimes when you’re trying hard to score, you end up in areas where you’re less likely to score. It’s not a bad crime, it’s only because he’s so determined.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew assured reporters after yesterday’s game against QPR that the injury to star midfield player Yohan Cabaye is not as bad as first feared. Cabaye left the field mid-way through the first half after being on the receiving end of a challenge from Shaun Derry and was immediately sent to the club doctor. Initial check-ups, however, showed no serious damage, with Pardew saying:
He [Cabaye] felt it [the challenge] was probably a little bit over-exuberant, but the doc thinks he is going to be okay.
Hatem Ben Arfa has once again voiced his displeasure at not being included in Newcastle’s starting XI. Ben Arfa was expected to have earned himself a starting role after his wonder goal in the FA Cup against Blackburn last weekend but once again saw himself line-up on the bench, with only the injury to Cabaye affording him sixty-six minutes game time. The Frenchman admitted:
I am frustrated at not being able to play, but I won’t go and start an argument with the coach about it, because I know that I will only lose. I will respect his authority and keep my philosophy whether I play or not. For me football is a game based on lots of movements and passes. The coach likes the long, direct game. He often says, “cross it in the box” but I completely respect that philosophy. I am ready both physically and mentally. I will not start any arguments, my time will come and I just have to be patient.
Sunderland defender Matt Kilgallon will have a scan in the next few days to determine the extent of the ankle injury he picked up against Chelsea. Kilgallon has enjoyed a mini renaissance at the Stadium of Light, starting the club’s last three league games, but could now face a spell on the sidelines. With Wes Brown a doubt with a groin problem and Titus Bramble currently unavailable due to an Achilles injury, Michael Turner looks set to step into the first-team fold. Turner replaced Kilgallon at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and with home games against Swansea and Norwich up next, could be a decent cut-price option at just 4.2.
Steve Kean is adamant that Chris Samba is not for sale, despite reports linking the centre-half with a move away from Ewood Park. The Blackburn skipper missed the FA Cup defeat at Newcastle and last week’s home win over Fulham due to illness, but his manager is hopeful Samba will be available this weekend for the trip to Everton. Reports also suggest Rovers have rejected interest in Steven N’Zonzi from a host of Premier League clubs.
