Thomas Tuchel remains hopeful that Ben Chilwell will be able to rejoin the Chelsea first team in the new year after the wing-back stepped up his recovery from a partial ACL tear this week. A January return for Chilwell would be a huge boost for Chelsea, especially as Marcos Alonso has struggled to produce his best form having stepped into the side. Yet surgery could still be required and that could keep Chilwell out for several months. If that scenario were to play out, Tuchel admits a decision will need to be taken as to how Chelsea strengthen their left wing-back position.
Thomas Tuchel explained: “First, we must be sure what we do with Ben. Then we decide if we go for internal solutions and if we trust that we can overcome this period. Everything depends on Ben Chilwell and how long he is out. Then on the alternatives, [we can think] if there is something to do, if there is a chance to do something. But we did not start this process because we want to protect ourselves and not lose focus on the most important things. The most important things right now are Ben and Marcos. From there we go.”
With Chilwell absent, Alonso has become Tuchel’s go-to left wing-back. But at 30 years old, the Spaniard is unable to play every game and Saul Niguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic have all deputised in the role in recent matches. None of that trio have fared particularly well – no surprise give one is a central midfielder and two are wingers – and there is the potential for Chelsea to enter the transfer market in January. However, Tuchel says it is not easy to sign players in the winter window and is hopeful that a temporary replacement for Chilwell is not required.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Having a look at players and it being possible to get them in winter, there’s a big gap between these two situations. The best option would be that Ben continues his positive evaluation. He is in a good place mentally and physically. He did some running. Everything looks good, so hopes are still up. But we cannot confirm [that he returns in January].”
