Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has revealed that Alexandre Pato will not feature for the Blues in their upcoming games.
The Brazilian striker arrived on loan from Corinthians during the January transfer window, but he is yet to feature in the first-team squad as he continues to improve his fitness.
With Loic Remy still injured, Chelsea must rely on Diego Costa in attack for Sunday's fixture against Manchester United, but despite a depleted frontline, Hiddink has indicated that Pato will not be rushed into action.
The Dutchman told reporters: "Pato is in pre-season and we have a training plan which he is doing now. He will not be up for upcoming games."
Chelsea will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games when they host United at Stamford Bridge.