Ben Chilwell remains out, as Chelsea plans to bring in-form left-back in January as Alonso replacement
The Chelsea left wing-back has been very impressive this season, but his injury has been a cause for concern.
Chelsea have hopes that Chilwell will return to action next month, but all that is dependent on whether the England international will require surgery. Not requiring surgery would be a major positive for the 25-year-old, as an ACL surgery would surely rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has said that the team won’t be signing a new left-back in January, however, reports claim that Chelsea could bring back a player from loan to fill in that position.
Marcos Alonso is the only who can play as a left wing-back for Chelsea at the moment, and even the Spaniard hasn’t been in fine shape since the injury to Chilwell.
According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Chelsea will bring back Blues youngster Ian Maatsen on loan in January.
Law told the London is Blue Podcast: “I don’t see them going into the market in January for a left-back.”
“I thought it was very interesting that against Manchester United, they finished the game with Reece [James] at left wing-back and Pulisic at right wing-back.
“Tuchel already referenced in the press conference about Pulisic’s ability to play as a right wing-back.”
Matt Law believes that the left wing-back position is a problem at the moment for Chelsea, with Alonso yet to get back his best form.
“It’s a problem for Chelsea, but I’d be surprised if it is solved by signing a player,” the journalist added.
“Maybe they’d bring in Maatsen back. That would be an option for them.
“It’s clearly being discussed, and they’ll clearly be able to do it if they want to.
“But is he ready to go into a Premier League title charge? I’d assume if he’s brought back, it’s to play in the cups, the Club World Cup, and things like that.”
19-year-old Maatsen is currently on loan at Coventry City, and has been in fine form at the Championship side.