Farewell Fabregas: Could Chelsea regret letting Cesc go?

After racking up 350 appearances in the Premier League, it looks like Cesc Fabregas is set to leave these shores very soon.

A move to Monaco is on the cards, where he’ll link up with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry. The Chelsea midfielder wore the captain’s armband in a farewell appearance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He’s won two league titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, but he’s been a bit-part player this term. Maurizio Sarri has only started him once in league action.

It’s easy to see why he’d want to move on and why Chelsea are comfortable with letting him go. But could the Blues live to regret it?

Suited to Sarriball

The West Londoners are fourth in the table and 4/11 to secure a Champions League spot, but they’re still getting to grips with Sarri’s style of play.

The ex-Napoli boss wants his team to knock the ball around and draw their opponents in, before breaking with speed.

The game plan revolves around Jorginho in the deep midfield role. He has to set the tempo for the whole team.

But if he’s injured or suspended, who steps in? N’Golo Kante is a completely different type of midfielder. Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek aren’t really suited to that role either. And has anyone seen Danny Drinkwater lately?

Cesc can cover

Fabregas may not have the legs to get around the pitch, but he can still pull the strings with his passing. Very few players have his ability to ping the ball around. He could have slotted in for Jorginho when needed.

As it is, it looks like David Luiz will step into holding midfield if Chelsea need cover there. But then who’ll start moves from the back?

Fabregas could have been a very valuable insurance policy for Sarri. And even though he’s barely featured this term, letting him go may turn out to be a big risk.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication