Cesc Fabregas future looking bleak with Guus Hiddink to change Chelsea tactics

Hiddink expected to use more defensive players in central midfield

(Getty Images)

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is said to be battling for his future at the club with Guus Hiddink likely to use a more defensive approach in central midfield, according to various reports.

The Spanish midfielder, who missed the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford because of a fever, was taken off at half-time on Boxing Day against Watford, with the score 1-1.

Interim manager Hiddink brought on John Obi Mikel to shore up the midfield in that 2-2 draw, a tactic he again employed against Manchester United on Monday.

Fabregas, instrumental in the Blues winning the title last season, could find a place in his preferred deep-lying midfield role harder to come by with Hiddink likely to continue with Mikel and Nemanja Matic, at least until results improve.

​Fabregas is still in Hiddink's plans but because Chelsea have conceded 29 goals already this season, they only conceded 32 in the whole of last season, he may have to move into a more advanced No 10 role to start.

The Spaniard has played there at times during his 18 months with the club, but usually in tight away games or big European matches.

Fabregas has been linked with AC Milan and Juventus in Italian newspapers, despite a poor season in west London.

The 28-year-old has been seen by supporters as one of three players, along with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, who was behind the dressing room revolt that got Jose Mourinho sacked earlier this month.

It is something Fabregas has strongly denied - he was one of just three players to publicly send thanks to Mourinho after he was dismissed, he also sent a letter to fans and released a statement to the press denying he had a poor relationship with the Portuguese.

Chelsea next face high-flying Crystal Palace, away at Selhurst Park on Sunday.