Chelsea May Recall Anselmino Amid Defensive Concerns
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Chelsea is considering bringing back young defender Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund earlier than expected, with reports indicating they may activate a recall clause in his contract. The Argentine center-back, currently in Germany for the season, might be summoned back to help address Chelsea’s defensive issues, which have been exacerbated by injuries and a lack of squad stability, according to Patrick Berger.
Anselmino was initially regarded as a promising talent when he joined Chelsea and made his senior debut during the Club World Cup, highlighting his potential within the team.
The choice to loan him out to Borussia Dortmund was intended as a strategic decision to enhance his growth by providing consistent playing time in competitive matches, both domestically and in European competitions.
Defensive Depth a Concern for Chelsea
Chelsea included a clause in Anselmino’s loan agreement, allowing them to bring him back if he did not meet a certain number of appearances. This option is reportedly under serious consideration now, given the precarious state of Chelsea’s defense.
Recent weeks have seen Chelsea struggle defensively due to a mix of injuries and inconsistent player availability, which has left them with few reliable center-back options. Reports suggest that manager Enzo Maresca might opt to recall Anselmino mid-season to address these pressing needs.
Bringing Anselmino back could serve multiple purposes for Chelsea. In the immediate future, it would bolster their squad depth during a challenging part of the season. Longer-term, it would allow the club to evaluate his readiness for Premier League competition and potentially integrate him more swiftly into the first team.
Sources: Chelsea & Man United among clubs impressed with young Serie A centre-back
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