Maurizio Sarri has confirmed he wants Chelsea to keep Gonzalo Higuain past the end of this season, despite dropping the striker for the victory over Brighton.

Higuain has only scored three goals, against relegated Huddersfield Town and Fulham, since arriving on an initial six-month loan from Juventus.

Chelsea agreed an option to either loan Higuain for a further 12 months, at a cost of £15.5million, or sign him permanently for £31m at the end of his current loan, although it is unclear whether or not a Fifa transfer ban would prevent either scenario.

The Blues are due to find out the result of their appeal against a two-window ban next Thursday, although they will still have the opportunity to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if Fifa uphold their decision.

There are also doubts over whether or not Sarri will be head coach next season, but he still believes the Argentine could come good at Stamford Bridge – even though Olivier Giroud replaced him and scored against Brighton.

Asked if he wants to sign Higuain past this season, Sarri said: “Yes of course, but it depends on the club, it depends on Juventus. It's not clear the situation at the moment.”