Chelsea have signed a lot of youngsters in recent years. Quite a few of them have turned out to be injury-prone, despite having undeniable ability. Of course, Romeo Lavia’s name comes to mind immediately in this respect. But he is not the only one. Another such player is currently out on loan and struggling to remain fit for any consistent length of time.
When Chelsea needed a centre-back in the winter, they made a questionable decision. They cut short Aaron Anselmino’s loan deal at Borussia Dortmund. The Argentine had started to impress in Germany and there were even whispers about the club wanting him permanently.
Instead, he was brought back, but not to give him a chance. Instead, he was sent on loan to Strasbourg and Mamadou Sarr was brought back from the French club.
Sarr has not exactly convinced since returning to Chelsea. On the other hand, Anselmino’s time at Strasbourg is turning out to be a bit of a nightmare. And it is only getting worse.
Aaron Anselmino suffers another injury as season goes from bad to worse
There have to be serious question marks over Anselmino’s fitness situation. He had already dealt with a couple of injuries while with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. And since joining Strasbourg, he has now been handed a couple more blows.
That is four separate injuries within the same season. According to L’Equipe, Strasbourg manager Gary O’Neil said about Anselmino’s latest issue:
“It’s up to the other hamstring, this time. He must undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury.”
Thus, it looks like Anselmino is injury-prone. Unfortunately, there is no other way to look at it. It is very early in his career and one would hope this is just him adjusting to senior football. But if things don’t improve soon, there will be serious questions over his long-term future in the game.
Chelsea need to shuffle centre-back ranks this summer
Chelsea will need to shuffle their centre-back ranks this summer. It is evident that the club have far too many in that position, who are not of the required level. The likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are never likely to become starters for the Blues. Thus, summer exits need to be considered.
On the other hand, why not bring back somebody like Anselmino? His focus right now has to be on rediscovering his fitness. Chelsea’s load management strategy has produced decent results in recent times. Perhaps a season at Stamford Bridge, even if he does not play much, could help in the long run.
Chelsea will need to sign a top-level centre-back or two in the summer. They have been linked with the likes of Murillo, Jarrad Branthwaite and a few others.
