LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Gonzalo Higuain of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

How Chelsea’s loan stars fared in Premier League prime-time against Man United

Gonzalo Higuain and Mateo Kovacic are some of the most talked about players in the Premier League, and not for good reasons.

The pair were not at their best against Manchester United and perhaps showed why they are expected to return to their owner clubs in the summer. After this season, the Blues have tough decisions to make about their squad components and these two players with a Real Madrid background will very much be key in those deliberations.

Kovacic arrived first from Real last summer with limited expectations, but a fair number of people associated with the club want to see more from the Croatia international. He has stayed away from the goals and for a midfielder strolling mostly in advanced positions, his lack of assists is also alarming.

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Against Man United, Kovacic’s contributions to both Chelsea’s attack and defence was minimal and to avoid a potential red card, Sarri decided to withdraw him in the second half.

Higuain also lacked the required pace to make a difference in the high-intensity game at Old Trafford. He had a few chances come his way and the last – in the dying minutes of the game one-on-one with David De Gea – was taken without confidence.

Both players are making it easier for Chelsea to totally discard them this summer and with only two games to go in the Premier League, there’s little time to change impressions around the Bridge.

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