Hiddink forgets name of youngster added to Chelsea squad

Guus Hiddink: Forgot youngster's name

Guus Hiddink: Forgot youngster's name

Guus Hiddink temporarily forgot the name of the youngster he has added to the squad, but claims Chelsea have “no fear” of bringing young players through.

The Blues interim boss will be without centre-back Kurt Zouma for the remainder of the season after he suffered a serious knee injury against Manchester United last time out – a setback the Dutchman branded  “a sporting tragedy”.

Chelsea host Newcastle on Saturday evening and Hiddink has revealed he has added Jake Clarke-Salter to the squad after calling the 18-year-old into first-team training, but the Blues boss initially forgot the youngster’s name.

“He’s a good kid, I forget his name,” said Hiddink before later declaring “it is Jake Clarke Salter.”

“It gives other people the chance to step up. We have no fear of bringing the youngsters in,” Hiddink added.

Chelsea have brought Ruben Loftus-Cheek into the first team in the last few seasons and the 20-year-old, who has made eight appearances this season, looks capable of enjoying a first-team career at the Bridge, but his emergence has been the exception rather than the rule in recent years.

Hiddink has also confirmed Diego Costa suffered a broken nose in training on Thursday but will be available to face Newcastle.

The striker has found the net six times in his last seven Premier League outings and has recaptured some of his best form under the Dutch interim manager.

“Costa broke his nose in a duel with one of the other players. He will wear a mask. We are a Zorro team,” Hiddink said, referring to facial injuries already picked up by Nemanja Matic and Cesar Azpilicueta this season.

“It was a small incident but it’s a very fragile area.”

Meanwhile, Hiddink also confirmed that Alexandre Pato will not be available in time to play at the weekend, but is hopeful the Brazil international could play in the FA Cup clash with Manchester City next weekend.

“He’s in the second week of his pre-season and he’s doing well, won’t be ready for Newcastle, possibility for Manchester City,” he added.