Alexandre Pato: Guus Hiddink drops hint that Brazilian may finally be given game time against Aston Villa this weekend
Over 90,000 minutes, 1,500 hours, 64 days or nine weeks – whichever way you look at it, Alexandre Pato has been waiting a long time to make his Chelsea debut.
The Brazilian forward's strange omittance from the Chelsea team since his arrival in January has even prompted some fans to set up a website asking that specific question: Has Alexandre Pato played for Chelsea?
But the 26-year-old may finally be given his chance when the Blues travel to Premier League basement side Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime, according to interim manager Guus Hiddink.
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With Chelsea safely nestled in mid-table, out of the Champions League and the FA Cup, Hiddink has suggested he could tinker with a team that has little left to play for.
And with Eden Hazard out injured and Diego Costa suspended, the Dutchman may finally draft in Pato for his first start.
"Will he be actively involved? We will see tomorrow," said Hiddink.
"We now have eight games coming up, but there isn't much to play for so it might be time for experiments.
"He has worked very hard in the international break. I have tried to make a fair judgement and give others knocking on the door – like [Bertrand] Traore – fair opportunity as well."