Chelsea, struggling in 11th place in the Premier League 11 points off the Champions League qualifying spots, trail PSG 2-1 from the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
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Pato, 26, has been short of fitness having joined on loan from Corinthians in January, having not played competitively since November.
“At the moment to be fair to everyone they are a bit ahead in this moment”.
“We have had some setbacks in the squad and during games, like at Southampton, but they are resilient and they like to come back”.
“When I started in December we were close to the relegation zone, one point away”.
Hiddink even seemed to suggest that Pato has slipped behind Bertrand Traore in the Chelsea pecking order.
“I’m not that positive it will be resolved within a few days”, Hiddink said.
“He is eager and we have also a healthy competition between the strikers in a very good atmosphere”.
Shortly after the signing, Hiddink revealed that the striker was going through double training sessions to get ready for the rest of the campaign, but during his Monday press conference, he announced that while Pato isn’t ready for the full 90 minutes, he will be able to play a part in Chelsea’s match against Norwhich City on Tuesday at Carrow Road.
Like at Stamford Bridge that day Chelsea will go into the game as favourites to win especially after our improved form since interim manager Guus Hiddink took charge until the end of the season. Meanwhile, nobody’s talking at all about Loic Remy, who’s still with the club (the Chinese transfer window has now also closed), so who knows what his status or role may be going forward.
Hiddink will once again have to make do without John Terry as the Blues skipper remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that’s already kept him out for over two weeks.
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‘It is also about injuries and if you have all the players available. “That was why I was talking (about an) in-between target as soon as possible out of the danger zone, but the real target is higher”.
