CRUNCHER
Cahill admits the huge gap in squad strength between Chelsea & Arsenal will stretch Blues title hopes to limit
GARY CAHILL admits Chelsea’s stretched squad are walking a fitness tightrope.
The Blues will have only 14 experienced players ready for Saturday’s game against Burnley, when Antonio Conte’s side begin the defence of their Premier League title.
The Blues rounded off their pre-season with a third defeat on the spin, losing to Arsenal on penalties in the Community Shield.
With Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko injured, boss Conte used the setback to again call on the Chelsea board for more new signings.
Conte was forced to include teenage midfielder Kyle Scott among his substitutes at Wembley and the back of the Community Shield programme illustrated the difference between the champions’ and Gunners’ squads.
Arsenal listed 41 names compared to just 24 for Chelsea. The Blues board are working hard to bring in two new full-backs, another midfielder and a centre-back.
Cahill said: “The back of COMING UP SHORT Chelsea legend Frank Lampard points out the lack of players on TV the programme was interesting. In terms of quality we’ve certainly got that, but you have to hope we don’t have too many injuries.
“Obviously, the four new players who have just come in are going to be vitally important. There’s no doubt we’ve added quality to the team.
“But with playing more games due to the Champions League this season, the numbers are going to be tested.
“We just have to keep everybody fit and sharp. As players we are in control of what we do and the way we prepare for the games. The other stuff outside of that (transfers) is none of our business.” Two years ago, Chelsea were beaten in the Community Shield by Arsenal, before winning just one of their opening six league games. Then-boss Jose Mourinho was sacked five months later. But Cahill (left) maintained the current squad are firmly behind Conte and refusing to panic. He said: “The mood in the camp is fine. The Community Shield is not a setback but I do see it as a disappointment.
“It is hurtful because we lost a game we wanted to win and lost the chance to win a trophy. We need to brush that off and prepare for an important season.”
Record-signing Alvaro Morata, 24, missed a penalty in his third appearance since a £65million move from Real Madrid. But Cahill maintained the Spaniard is still adjusting to life at the club and will come good given time.
He added: “He’s OK, he’s got a lot of friends and team-mates, a lot of Spanish boys in our team, so it’s easier to settle in.
“I’m sure he feels part of the group already, and I can imagine it’s different. You’re bringing all your family over, trying to make that transition.
“So, no, there’s no problems with him. He’s a massive player and very experienced, even at that young age.
“We’ll all get together and rally around him, and I’m sure he’ll start the season well and bang in the goals for us.”