Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as Enzo Maresca’s men entertain Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will be desperate to build on the 2-1 win they recorded over Liverpool before the international break and will know three points will temporarily lift them into the Premier League top four.
Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and a wealth of other names over the summer, with Maresca’s men hoping to play a role in the title race this season.
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However, one big-money signing has struggled to settle in West London so far and will be desperate for a chance to play against Forest.
Enzo Maresca looks on before a friendly between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen
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Jamie Gittens needs time on the pitch
Chelsea signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £48.5 million over the summer, with the 21-year-old arriving with a big reputation.
However, the England under-21 international has only started two Premier League games for the Blues so far, and has failed to record a goal or assist.
Gittens’ time in the Bundesliga shows he has all the attributes to be a star for Chelsea, but given the competition for places, he faces a big challenge to establish himself in the starting XI.
Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of the Forest clash, with Gittens surely hoping he can get a chance to feature against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Hudson-Odoi comparisons to be made
Chelsea will face a former player this weekend in Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, who left Stamford Bridge in 2023 after failing to establish himself at the London club.
This example should be a warning for Gittens, who arguably has more competition for a first-team spot than Hudson-Odoi did in his time at the Blues.
Chelsea FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
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With Pedro Neto an almost guaranteed starter, William Estevao a burgeoning talent and Alejandro Garnacho arriving over the summer to much fanfare, Gittens has seen himself fall down Maresca’s pecking order.
A first goal or assist – either off the bench or in starting against Forest this weekend – would be the perfect tonic for Gittens, who will know time and patience are not freely afforded at Chelsea.