Zola plays down the pressure on Higuain

Gianfranco Zola has played down the pressure on Gonzalo Higuain to deliver goals for Chelsea.

The striker, signed on loan from Juventus, is expected to make his debut in Sunday’s FA Cup tie at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Chelsea have brought him in after problems in front of goal this season, with Eden Hazard often asked to play as a striker.

But Blues assistant boss Zola said: “This is not a team that is desperate. It’s a team that needs to add certain qualities to what it has already.

“We’re going to help Higuain to get his goals but also he will help the team.”

Speaking at a press conference, Zola insisted there is no doubt the experienced Higuain, 31, will handle the expectation on his shoulders following his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m sure there are a lot of expectations, but Gonzalo is used to it,” Zola said.

“He’s played for big clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus and Napoli so I am sure he can handle these expectations. He’s always produced good numbers wherever he has been.

“He’s coming late, but he’s coming in a team that plays a system he knows very well, so this is a big advantage.”