Chelsea’s "perfect solution" could come back to haunt them in Champions League

Chelsea were drawn against Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals in what is viewed as the most favourable outcome for the Blues.

However, Thomas Tuchel's side will have to face off against one of their own players in the two-legged tie.

That's because new signing Malang Sarr, who is out on loan at Porto, will be free to play against his parent club.

Sarr, who was signed on a free transfer last summer after leaving OGC Nice, has spent the season on loan at the Portuguese giants and has made 19 appearances across all competitions.

Speaking recently, he explained that going out on loan to Porto has been the "perfect solution" for him to get some game time.

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Sarr, 22, said: “I was training with Chelsea before I got loaned. The loan was part of the plan.

"I had to be honest with myself, my season ended in March and I wasn’t going to be successful right away with Chelsea.

“It was the perfect solution because I wanted to do a season at a top club like Porto, to be good and then later take a place at Chelsea.”

Immediately after signing for the club, Chelsea made it clear that Sarr would be heading out on loan.

The defender, 22, hadn't played since the Ligue 1 season was scrapped last March, and he was in desperate need of regular football.

With Thiago Silva also joining the club, it seemed unlikely Sarr would get that regular football at Stamford Bridge.

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    • Therefore, it was decided it would be best for all parties if the youngster, who signed a contract until 2025, spent the first season of his contract out on loan.

    Now, however, Chelsea may pay the price for letting him go, as UEFA rules mean players who are out on loan are allowed to face their parent clubs in European competitions.

    Tuchel has enjoyed a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge, but won't have the advantage of having worked with Sarr, as the youngster was signed during Frank Lampard's reign.

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