One door closes another door opens. The devastating news that top class central defender Wesley Fofana is going to miss the rest of the season with injury has rocked Chelsea, and is a body blow to our top four aspirations.
But it does create opportunities for others – among them Aaron Anselmino, the Argentine central defender bought back in the summer and left on loan with Boca Juniors. The news emerged earlier this week that Anselmino would be coming back to work with the main Chelsea squad now that the season has finished in South America, and that news makes a lot more sense now we know that Fofana is likely out for the rest of the campaign.
In his press conference today, Enzo Maresca was asked about what he knew of the 19 year old, who signed for £17m in the summer. The manager stressed that this decision was more about helping the youngster adapt to life in Europe than about expecting him to make an immediate first team impact:
“He’s another talent, another good player. It’s important to arrive here and adapt, find a house and settle in the right way. We need to give him time to adapt, a new world and a new culture. We will help him to adapt as soon as possible.”
Youngsters prepare for unexpected early call up to first team action
With Benoit Badiahsile also set to miss a couple of months, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo will be the first choice pair at the back, with Axel Disasi the only other senior option. That should mean at least a couple of appearances for Anselmino over the remainder of the season, with Josh Acheampong also now likely to continue to play more than he might have expected.