With an FA Cup tie at MK Dons on the immediate horizon, our manager reported that Loic Remy has a slight calf problem but he did not put a timeframe on the striker’s return to availability.

He then moved on to speak to reporters about the proposed moves to Stamford Bridge of Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato and young USA defender Matt Miazga.

Pato’s loan is at the paperwork stage,’ said Hiddink, who added:

‘It is not a gamble. Coming on loan makes it possible to have a good view on him. We will give him all the support in this and it is up to him.

‘On loan is good for everyone to see whether he is happy with this club and whether the club is happy with him after this few months.

‘He has to settle, we will give him all the time to do that and get used to a very demanding league.’

Hiddink noted that as Pato has been undergoing pre-season preparations at Corinthians, he is likely to need more work on his physical condition before he could take part in games. He reflected on the 26-year-old’s career so far.

‘When he was a promising youngster it was nice to see a very stylish player and then he had a few years in Milan. After he did not make a big next step in Europe, he went back to Brazil so now he thinks he has another chance to make a step in Europe which is a brave step, but it is up to him and we will help him to get fit and see what he can bring to this club.’

On Miazga, the 20-year central defender who has been at New York Red Bulls and who made his debut for the USA in November, Hiddink confirmed:

‘He will be one of the squad members for the rest of the season, a young guy stepping up to the national team, and if you have young players you can see what they are capable of in training.’

Moving on to the matches ahead, the Dutchman confirmed he is still placing great importance on the trophy he won with Chelsea in 2009.

‘We have a lot of games coming, in the FA Cup, the league and Champions League so we have to think very cleverly about how to get and keep everyone fit. That is important but the FA Cup is important for us and at the moment we don’t think about Wednesday’s match at Watford.’