Immediately after Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, the Blues announced the decision to recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea secured a fourth win in five games under Liam Rosenior on Sunday afternoon. Away fans sang Rosenior’s name as Brazilian trio Andrey Santos, Joao Pedro, and Estevao Willian starred at Selhurst Park.
Immediately after the game, Chelsea confirmed that Anselmino’s season-long loan at Dortmund had been terminated, with the Blues in the market for a new defender. Jeremy Jacquet remains a target.
Discussion: You’re Chelsea manager, which centre-back would you sign?
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But Anselmino’s recall comes after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Jacquet was no longer a target for Chelsea this month. Instead, Chelsea will rival Liverpool and Bayern for his signature in the summer.
What Chelsea plan to do with Aaron Anselmino after recall
Chelsea are light at centre-back after Tosin’s hamstring injury. Benoit Badiashile did little to discourage fans’ concerns about his concentration and ability at this level, almost gifting Palace the lead on Sunday.
So, Trevoh Chalobah’s form has been up and down, Tosin is injured, Badiashile can’t be trusted, and while Wesley Fofana has remained injury-free, ultimately, it would be foolish to leave Fofana without cover.
Aaron Anselmino of Borussia Dortmund reacts after winning the Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin
Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images
BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella now shares some insight over what is expected to happen with Anselmino in the next couple of days. Chelsea plan to assess Anselmino but there is a chance he comes into the fold.
A decision will have to be quick, with the deadline fast approaching on February 2. If Chelsea do not believe Anselmino is up to providing cover at Stamford Bridge, then they will have to find him a club.
Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino should only be last resorts
With Tosin out, Rosenior still has Badiashile, Chalobah and Fofana to choose from with the latter two likely to start against Napoli on Wednesday. But Rosenior confirms Disasi is back with the senior Chelsea side.
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Split image of Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet
Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images/Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
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But Disasi hasn’t played all season and Anselmino hasn’t managed much better, clocking up 10 matches in all competitions. Injury has hampered the former Boca Juniors defender and he is yet to prove himself.
Chelsea are at the deciding end of the season and every result counts, whether that be towards silverware or a place in the top four. Rosenior cannot be seen playing around with players he cannot trust.
Or, indeed, giving players a chance to see if they can prove themselves. Rosenior needs players he can throw in without worrying about trusting them or not, and unfortunately, that isn’t Anselmino or Disasi.
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