Graham Potter makes first Chelsea selection decision ahead of Crystal Palace clash
According to reports, Trevoh Chalobah won’t likely start Chelsea manager Graham Potter’s first Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
After making a strong impression during the Blues’ preseason program, the center back made his way onto the first squad last summer.
In the Super Cup victory over Villarreal, Chalobah earned his first competitive start for Chelsea. He went on to make a total of 29 appearances in all competitions last season.
He had a strong rookie season, but this season he has appeared much less frequently.
However, The centre-back has featured just once throughout all eight games so far, playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win against Leicester City.
Competition for places in the defence has become a lot stronger since the beginning of the summer transfer window, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana all signing for the west London side.
With Potter recently arriving as the new head coach at Chelsea, there is a chance that Chalobah could be more included over the next few weeks, especially given how hectic their schedule is before the break for the World Cup.
However, his inclusion in the side is not thought to be imminent as they prepare to return to club football following the international break.
Chelsea will make the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, with The Athletic reporting that Chalobah is unlikely to start against the Eagles.
The Premier League clash will be Potter’s first in charge at his new side, with the 47-year-old being in the dugout just once so far for the Blues.
Before the international break, the Blues competed in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brighton, with the 23-year-old playing as part of a midfield three.
This could be a sign of things to come for him, with Koulibaly and Fofana being selected to start ahead of him in his natural centre-back position.
The duo could be set to be consistent starters for the side along with the experienced Thiago Silva, who is still highly impressive at Chelsea despite recently turning 38-years-old.
Therefore, Chalobah could have very limited game time over the next few weeks.
As he searches for more minutes, recent reports have suggested that should his situation at Chelsea not improve, he could seek an exit.
It is said that he wanted a loan move away during the summer, but the club decided to keep him in the squad.
There has been interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan and RB Leipzig over a deal, with the defender keen to become a regular starter.
However, should he leave Chelsea, it remains to be seen if he will depart either on loan or via a permanent deal.