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Chelsea outcast stripped of shirt number amid Jorrel Hato announcement

Defensive recruit: Jorrel Hato

Chelsea Football Newsletter

A versatile defender who can play full-back and centre-back, the Dutchman was initially expected to provide competition and cover for Marc Cucurella.

However, an unfortunate injury blow to Levi Colwill - who has successfully undergone knee surgery - could mean Hato is needed in central defence if the Blues do not go out and sign a replacement.

With that said, Hato has been handed the No21 shirt at Stamford Bridge and he could wear it for the first time tonight when Chelsea host Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.

“I’m very excited and so happy to be here,” he said after joining the club. “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career.

Jorrel Hato could make his Chelsea debut against Bayer Leverkusen

Salomon Kalou, Nemanja Matic, Ryan Bertrand, Jody Morris and Hernan Crespo are among the previous owners of the Chelsea No21 shirt, but this decision means Ben Chilwell is now without a squad number.

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