CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri has backed misfiring Gonzalo Higuain to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge next season if he remains a blue.
The Argentine striker, 31, arrived at Chelsea in January after terminating his stay with AC Milan to arrive in London on loan from Juventus.
Higuain has struggled for consistency in England, however, netting just four times in 15 games for his new side.
Another torrid afternoon followed in Manchester on Sunday, as the ex-Real Madrid man found himself deprived on scoring opportunities and often offside.
After Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Man United Sarri admitted it will take time for Higuain to adapt to his new environment and took inspiration from ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez only scoring three times in his first Prem season.
Sarri said: “For a striker it is difficult to get used to the Premier League, for every striker.
“I remember Suarez at Liverpool in first season only scores three goals, then 16, then 24, but it’s difficult to adapt to this Premier League.
“I think in the next season he will be able to score a lot.”
Chelsea have the option to sign Higuain on a permanent basis for £31million at the end of the season, or extend his loan for another term for £15m.
This will all depend on the outcome of the Blues two-year transfer ban they received after being found guilty by Uefa of illegally signing young players.
Chelsea – who will still be able to sell players and bring back players on loan – are appealing against Uefa’s decision.
When asked if Higuain will be signed on a permanent basis next season, Sarri said: “I don’t know, I’m not in charge of the market so I cannot answer these questions. In theory, yes.”
