Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri worried by Kiev pitch

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Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri admits the pitch is “dangerous” as his side prepare to take on Dynamo Kiev in their Europa League second-leg last 16 tie on Thursday.

The Blues head to Ukraine full of confidence after winning the first leg 3-0 last week at Stamford Bridge. Sarri’s men are expected to reach the quarter-finals of the competition but the Italian admits he has concerns over the pitch.

He is expected to make changes to his team with Everton next up in the Premier League but the former Napoli coach insists injuries from Thursday’s game could be an issue. Sarri told reporters: “It is a disaster.

The pitch is not good. I think that it is dangerous, really dangerous, it is really difficult to play good football here. “We have to accept this situation and play on this pitch.

There isn’t another solution. I can’t understand why UEFA isn’t giving attention to everything. Especially to the players’ list, you have to present the players’ list early and then play on such a bad pitch.

“The reason is probably the winter, I played here in September and the pitch was very good.”

Chelsea’s Gonzalo Higuain has not travelled due to illness, but Willian is set to start after starting Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves as a substitute.

Kiev are 4.00 to win despite their home advantage, with the draw 3.50 and Chelsea 1.85 to win inside 90 minutes. Chelsea to win 2-0 was 9.00 with Dafabet but it has now been boosted to 11.00.

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