Transfer News: The latest as Chelsea keep tabs on three left-backs.
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been ruled out for the season as he is set to undergo surgery for a partial ACL injury on his knee. It would deal a damning blow to their chances of challenging for titles due to the lack of available backup options.
Chilwell had suffered the setback during a 4-0 win against Juventus in the Champions League back in November. He has been out since then, and this update could force the hands of the Blues to look at options next month. He underwent a scan on Monday, which has prompted the club to take this decision.
The decision got delayed further due to the Englishman contracting Covid, which forced him into self-isolation. He had returned to training to engage in light running as the club looked to take the best choice regarding the matter. It seems that surgery is now the only available option which would likely see him sit on the sidelines for the rest of this campaign.
The West London club has not confirmed the matter but the expectations are for Thomas Tuchel to address it in the build-up to the match against Brighton and Hove Albion. Gareth Southgate would also be dealt a blow by this situation as England would begin their Nation’s League campaign in June.
The English fullback was sensational for us this season before the issue, and this news would create concerns about our chances to compete for titles. We have already endured an injury crisis in several areas, and this is the last thing we would have wanted.
It could force our hand to look at potential targets next month when the winter transfer window opens. Lucas Digne of Everton has been linked with a move in January, and it remains to be seen whether we would sign him or not. He would be a quality reinforcement but at this point, we may not have the time or the luxury to weigh up potential options if we want a backup.
Theo Hernandez is also touted as an option but he could be expensive if Thomas Tuchel’s side decides to pursue him during this campaign. Marcos Alonso cannot be depended on throughout a season as he has had a mixed time so far. Not to mention, any suspension or injury to Alonso could put us in a precarious spot moving forward.
We have to safeguard our chances of challenging for titles, and the board would have to look for adequate solutions. Playing a central midfielder like Saul Niguez in that position is not something a club of our stature should fall back on for the rest of the campaign. We experimented against Zenit and paid the price with a 3-3 draw.
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