Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is set to go ACL surgery, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
The England international has been on the sidelines since injuring his knee in the 4-0 demolition of Juventus last month. Earlier, there was optimism Chilwell could return as early as January. But the club decided to end his current rehabilitation process and go for the surgery. This means the full-back is now targeting a return to football next season.
How can Chelsea cope with Ben Chilwell out for the season?
Without Chilwell, Chelsea have just one recognized left-back/left-wing-back in the squad, Marcos Alonso. However, the Spaniard is 31-years old himself, and cannot play every game. Even so, he is not a reliable option. Cesar Azpilicueta is a versatile option who can play in that position, but he too doesn’t have age on his side. Players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Saúl ÑÃguez have played at wing-back, but it’s not something that’s natural to them.
Chilwell’s absence means a potential change in formation now looks unlikely. If Tuchel is to change things and move to a back-four, his only option will be Marcos Alonso. And Alonso’s defensive weaknesses are exacerbated in a back-four, as seen in 2018/19 under Maurizio Sarri and later under Frank Lampard.
January window is approaching, and Thomas Tuchel could be forced to dig in. Lucas Digne of Everton is the name being linked with the Blues for a six-month loan. The likes of Emerson Palmeiri, Ian Maatsen and Abdul Baba Rahman are Chelsea players out on loan.
Whatever Chelsea do, they must find a long-term solution in order to keep pace with Man City and Liverpool. Spurs and Arsenal are also catching up after picking up form.