Chelsea can still bring Aaron Anselmino back from Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window. This is because the Argentine defender hasn’t played the minimum number of minutes that had been agreed upon.
The 20-year-old has played in only 10 of Dortmund’s 22 competitive matches this season, totaling 564 minutes. This means that the Blues can end the loan early.
Anselmino missed important games against SC Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach in December due to a thigh injury. He couldn’t reach the required threshold to close Chelsea’s recall window. The injury setback has cost both the player and Dortmund a lot of money, as they have been impressed with his performances when he has been available.
Chelsea’s defense have had a lot of problems with injuries this season, and Levi Colwill’s long-term ACL injury from pre-season training has made things worse. Colwill will miss most of the season after having successful surgery. Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, on the other hand, have struggled with their form and fitness.
Dortmund did, however, recently ask Chelsea to make Anselmino a permanent deal, but the Blues turned them down. The London giants see the Argentine center-back as a key long-term asset and paid Boca Juniors €16.5 million to get him back in August 2024.
Anselmino made his first appearance for Chelsea in June at the FIFA Club World Cup. He came on as a substitute in extra time during a 4-1 win over Benfica. The defender can play on either side of central defence and is very good in the air and in one-on-one duels.
Bringing Anselmino back to Stamford Bridge would fix Chelsea’s defensive problems for free and not cost them anything in the January transfer window. Manager Enzo Maresca now has to make the final call. He has to weigh the pros and cons of bringing the young defender back versus letting him continue developing in the Bundesliga.
Chelsea Get a Valuable Point After Newcastle Fight Back
On Saturday at St. James’ Park, Chelsea came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Newcastle United. Nick Woltemade’s two goals put the Magpies up 2-0 in the first 20 minutes, but the Blues came back in the second half to get a very important point.
Reece James started the comeback in the 49th minute by curling a free kick off the inside of the post after Cole Palmer was fouled. Joao Pedro finished the comeback in the 66th minute, running away after Malick Thiaw fell and finishing calmly.
Chelsea stay in fourth place in the Premier League table after the final whistle, three points ahead of the teams below them. The result kept the Blues’ unbeaten streak going and showed they are tough, even though they had some defensive problems in the first half.
The Blues will play Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 27 and Bournemouth at home on December 30.