Di Matteo hints at axing Torres for vital Chelsea clash with Juventus

Nov 19, 2012 12:55:00 AM

The Italian has insisted he will leave the striker out if it is the "right thing to do for the team" as he looks to put the Blues in pole position to win Group E

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has hinted that he may drop Fernando Torres for the Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday, following the striker’s recent goal drought.

The Spain international has scored just one goal in six weeks and was part of an underwhelming Chelsea side that succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Brom on Saturday.

And, in a move which suggests that the profligacy is becoming a concern, Di Matteo admitted he has to explore all possible options to rectify the situation even if it means dropping his star striker.

"We will have to assess the whole team and see how everybody is, and how they have recovered," he told The Daily Mirror.

"But if I believe it is the right thing to do for the team, then yeah, I will leave him out.

"I thought when we moved Daniel [Sturridge] up there he looked a danger [against West Brom]. He had a very good chance saved by the keeper and another put wide.

"He was always a threat to the defence - we need to score goals."

The European champions currently sit top of Group E, but with only a point separating first- and third-placed teams.

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