Ben Chilwell injury update- How big an impact will his loss have on Chelsea in the Premier League 21/22 season?
Ben Chilwell injured his anterior cruciate ligament in November’s 4-0 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League and has been ruled out since. Rumours are afoot that the defender is set to be out for the season requiring a surgery and we at Alley Sport take a look at the Ben Chilwell injury update and evaluate how big an impact his loss will have on Chelsea in the Premier League 21/22 season.
Ben Chilwell injury update: His season so far
Ben Chilwell was not necessarily Thomas Tuchel’s favourite at left wing-back at the start of the season, as Marcos Alonso was often given the nod ahead of the Englishman. However, after being given a chance, he impressed the Blues’ boss to such an extent that he became the first name on the teamsheet, even being Chelsea’s joint top goalscorer at one point. His partnership with Reece James down the other flank was deadly, leading the London club to an impressive 10 wins from the first 14 in the league. The full-back was flying, indeed.
However, towards the end of a comfortable win over Juventus, disaster struck for Chilwell, as he injured his anterior cruciate ligament while challenging for the ball. Initially, it was hoped that the defender would avoid going under the knife and return in January, following a strict rehabilitation process. However, according to the latest news, the Blues feel the injury now needs surgery, which means the England international is expected to be ruled out for the remainder of this season in a big blow to Chelsea’s title charge.
Ben Chilwell injury update: The impact on Chelsea
There is no doubting that Chilwell had become a crucial player in Thomas Tuchel’s system by the time he injured himself. The statistics go on to show his importance as well, with Chelsea having won only 4 times in 9 matches since. Marcos Alonso, his obvious replacement has looked pretty unsure defensively and it has already started to hurt Chelsea’s title charge this season.
Chilwell had achieved the perfect balance needed from a modern day wing-back in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system and his astute finishing ability when given the chance had already scraped Chelsea out of some tight spots. Chelsea have since looked timid in attack as well as defense down the left, with the attacking threat now solely provided by Reece James on the right majority of times. This has hurt Chelsea’s form bad as shown by the previous stats, and their title aspirations have taken a big hit since the former Leicester man was ruled out.
Ben Chilwell injury update: What next for Chelsea?
At the moment, Chelsea only have Marcos Alonso available as a specialist left wing-back, with Saul Niguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic all having recently also played the position, but none impressing so far. As such, Chelsea need and are expected to find a solution for Chilwell’s prolonged absence in January by opting to sign someone or recalling one of their substantial group of players out on loan.
Looking at recalls, Lyon loanee Emerson Palmieri and Coventry City’s Ian Maatsen are two candidates for possible recalls, but the loan clubs wouldn’t agree to lose their full-back as easily mid-season which might make it difficult for the Blues. Furthermore, it has been rumoured that Chelsea could attempt to convince Everton to allow French left-back Lucas Digne out on a six-month loan deal after seeing him fall out of favour with Spanish boss Rafael Benitez.
It must be taken into account that there could be more left-backs offered to Chelsea during the winter transfer market once Chilwell’s injury update becomes known to everyone. But, unless Marcos Alonso suddenly regains his form, Chelsea have a big problem on their hands and they need to find a solution, fast.
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