---
title: "Sarri addresses Higuain fitness after Bournemouth thrashing"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2019/01/31/sarri-addresses-higuain-fitness-after-bournemouth-thrashing/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rob Sills"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2019-01-31T18:55:33Z"
modified: "2019-01-31T18:56:06Z"
---

# Sarri addresses Higuain fitness after Bournemouth thrashing

Maurizio Sarri has conceded that Gonzalo Higuain is ‘not in good shape’ after his Chelsea side suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

As quoted by [Metro](https://twitter.com/Metro_Sport/status/1090895878964031488), the manager revealed that the striker is suffering from a minor back injury and is not yet fully fit, which is the reason behind his underwhelming Premier League debut for the club. Sarri said:

> At this moment, he is not in good shape, probably because he has played very little recently between transfer market distractions and back pain. He can grow a great deal over the next few weeks.

The 30-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Juventus, replacing Alvaro Morata who arrived at Atletico Madrid on a temporary basis.

![Dan Mullan/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1091509108.jpg)

Higuain made his first start in Chelsea colours against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, where he produced a subdued performance before being replaced in the four-goal drubbing.

His 65-minute cameo left much to be desired, with fitness said to be a current issue for the frontman.

The loss leaves Chelsea winless in their last two top-flight outings, with pressure mounting on Sarri as his side look to secure a top-four spot at the end of the season.