Chelsea analysis: Michy Batshuayi needs a loan move as rusty David Luiz and Blues blow chance of a week off

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Simon Johnson6 January 2018

Chelsea's peripheral players failed to impress in a goalless draw at Carrow Road as Norwich earned an FA Cup third-round replay.

Chelsea struggled against the Canaries, for whom Alex Pritchard, Josh Murphy and James Maddison excelled going forwards.

Given Antonio Conte's regular fixture complaints, he would not have wanted a replay, but Championship Norwich frustrated the Blues, who came closest when Willian's effort was turned round a post by Angus Gunn.

And Chelsea, Premier League champions and FA Cup finalists last season, will now host Daniel Farke's men at Stamford Bridge in 10 days' time.

Simon Johnson analyses the key talking points for Chelsea...

Luiz is back but looks rusty

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Perhaps not surprising given he's been ruled out for over six weeks with a knee injury, however coach Antonio Conte would have hoped for better than this.

Put it this way, Andreas Christensen won't be losing any sleep over the possibility of being replaced in the first choice XI.

The 30-year-old looked a bit sluggish from the outset - particularly when he almost gifted an opportunity to shoot on goal after failing to control keeper Willy Cabbalero's pass in the area.

He was also booked for a clumsy tackle on James Maddison just before half-time, meaning he had to watch his step after the break.

There is still a lot of speculation over the Brazilian and whether he will leave this month. Few will be tempted to make a bid on this evidence.

Barkley could be in sooner rather than later

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The Chelsea coach was keen to point out at yesterday's press conference that new £15m signing Barkley may have to wait a while to make his debut.

Barkley is still working on his fitness having suffered a major hamstring injury, which has prevented him from playing for Everton all season.

Yet, with Chelsea's midfield and attacking players looking so anaemic for long periods, the visitors clearly needed the England international's creativity.

The 24-year-old insists he is in good enough shape to play for his new club and he may get his wish rather quickly.

Batshuayi needs to leave on loan

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This was a rare start for the Belgium international and he again failed to prove he should feature more.

Before the trip to Carrow Road, Batshuayi had been named in the first XI on just seven occasions.

Conte has made it pretty clear he doesn't trust him to lead the line on more than one occasion this term, opting to play Eden Hazard as a 'false nine' instead.

But with Hazard nursing a minor injury and Alvaro Morata getting a break as a late substitute, Batshuayi was given a run-out.

Unfortunately, he posed no threat. Passes were misplaced and Championship defenders comfortably knocked him off the ball.

Even Norwich fans taunted him with chants of 'what a waste of money' when he was replaced by Morata with 16 miniutes to go.

It is understood Batshuayi wants a loan move this month and that will be granted should Chelsea find another back-up striker.

Batshuayi's lack of game time at Stamford Bridge is clearly having a negative effect on his play and confidence so the Blues should try to make his wish come true.

A loan to Newcastle will benefit Kenedy

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Given Chelsea have very little back-up for Marcos Alonso at left wing back, it's a bit of a mystery why Kenedy hasn't been involved more this season.

Of course Alonso has to play most matches, but there is a danger he will burn out in the second half of the campaign.

Still this was just Kenedy's fourth appearance for the club in 2017-18 and if Newcastle have their way, he will soon be at St James' Park instead.

Rafa Benitez's side have first option to acquire him on loan for the rest of the season and with his pace and technical ability, the Brazilian could be a useful asset.

Just like Batshuayi, much will depend on whether Chelsea bring someone else in first and that might not be easy given Juventus and Monaco aren't keen to sell Alex Sandro and Thomas Lemar respectively.

Chelsea blow chance for a week off

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Conte will be angry with his players for many reasons tonight, but especially because this draw means an unwelcome replay in 10-11 days time.

The week commencing January 14th was actually going to give that rare experience for Chelsea this season, with no midweek match scheduled.

Given the champions have a two-legged League Cup semi-final against Arsenal (to be played on January 10 and 24), it could have provided some welcome rest.

After all, Chelsea have had an intense schedule of midweek-weekend fixtures seemingly for months now.

But Chelsea weren't good enough to book their place in the FA Cup Fourth Round at the first attempt. Norwich certainly deserved a replay back at Stamford Bridge though.

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