Of the players Chelsea currently have out on loan, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Aaron Anselmino has a case for the most exciting.
20-year-old centre-back Aaron Anselmino is currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga after Dortmund completed a loan move for him late in the summer window.
The Argentinian is a world-class defensive prospect. He’s got height, pace, defensive IQ and great technical ability for the position.
Despite Levi Colwill’s injury, Anselmino was still shipped off with the hope that he will be ready to contribute regularly next season. While Chelsea fans like what they have seen from him, they do have one rather large concern.
Aarón Anselmino of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin
Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Aaron Anselmino’s Borussia Dortmund start hindered
Anselmino’s Dortmund debut was in a 3-0 win over Union Berlin in game two of the campaign, where the Chelsea youngster put on a masterful performance, instantly endearing himself to The Yellow Wall.
But his strong start would be undone by a muscle injury that kept him out up until Tuesday night’s Champions League meeting with Copenhagen.
85' | Welcome back, Aarón! 🇦🇷👋
➡️ Anselmino
⬅️ Bensebaini#CPHBVB 1-3
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) October 21, 2025
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It’s cause for concern for both Dortmund and Chelsea, because Anselmino has already missed 51 games due to injury. Remember, he’s 20.
And Chelsea fans are echoing these concerns.
Chelsea fans worried about Anselmino’s recurring injuries
Following his return to action in the Champions League, the discourse among Chelsea fans online was centered around their young loanee.
We need to have a discussion about Anselmino's injury. Played one game for Dortmund, dropped man of the match performance and disappeared.
If we successfully solve this riddle and we have one hell of a potential elite CB. But he can't develop without playing regularly. pic.twitter.com/PUm2ivKche
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) October 22, 2025
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On the topic of the Argentinian’s extended absence, this fan remarks: “He is Lavia 2.0 . Our only hope is he grows out of his muscle injuries.”
Another fan agrees: “I’ve always had reservations about his injury record. Wasn’t the greatest when we signed him, and for a developing player to have extended patches from the onset, it hinders proper development.”
It’s not that fans don’t rate Anselmino’s ability. As this fan explains: “I worry for this guy, he’s supposed to be a generational player. what’s going on?”
In a similar sentiment: “He’s very good in my opinion, when I watched him he did well. Need him to stay consistent.”
Chelsea need centre-back options, and Anselmino could be a future star at Stamford Bridge, but not if injuries continue to derail him every few months.
This fan says it best: “Anselmino looked smashing in his debut at Borussia Dortmund. Clean performance, huge potential. But the recurring muscle issue is a real worry. If he’s going to become elite, he must play regularly and build rhythm. Standing on the sidelines risks stalling his growth.
“Let’s hope Dortmund & Chelsea F.C. (the parent club) handle this smartly… play him bold, manage him smart. Because he’s not just any CB. He could be one of the best.”
He may have only been on the pitch for five minutes on Tuesday night, but it suggests he is going to be available for the upcoming games.
Fans will continue to monitor the young prospect, hopefully seeing him string together a consistent run of games without running into more fitness issues. If he can develop as planned, he could be an invaluable addition for Enzo Maresca next season.