Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino might consider delving into the transfer market. That is to address their increasing defensive crisis. Since, the team has suffered the loss of two key players due to injuries. However, Pochettino is also aware that he has capable replacements within his squad. Despite the double injury setback in defense, the Blues boss may explore the option of utilizing some of the talented young players from Cobham’s academy as potential solutions to the problem.
Wesley Fofana was anticipated to play a significant role in the team. But he suffered a setback after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in early July. He has undergone surgery and may get on the sidelines until the New Year as a result. On the other hand, Benoit Badiashile is also dealing with an injury during pre-season. This means he will need to catch up on fitness before being fully ready for action. These injuries have added to Chelsea’s defensive concerns and may prompt the manager to explore solutions in the transfer market or consider utilizing young talents from the academy.
With the injuries to Fofana and Badiashile, Mauricio Pochettino will have only three fit senior center-backs available for Chelsea’s season opener against Liverpool on August 13. The available options are Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Levi Colwill. While Marc Cucurella could potentially be a makeshift option in defense, his performances have not been entirely convincing so far. This limited defensive depth might prompt the manager to consider reinforcements. Or explore other solutions to address the crisis ahead of the important fixture.
Who might Chelsea choose as backups at the moment?
In the search for a possible replacement for the injured Wesley Fofana, Chelsea identified their former academy graduate Marc Guehi, who was sold to Crystal Palace in 2021 for £18 million, as a top candidate. However, bringing back the England international could come at a steep cost, with a potential price tag of up to £50 million. Such a high price for a temporary replacement could pose a significant financial challenge for the club. Nonetheless, Chelsea might consider exploring other options to strengthen their defensive ranks without breaking the bank.
Bashir Humphreys received an opportunity to showcase his abilities during a match against Brighton. His impressive display may prompt the manager to consider whether Humphreys can be a viable option. That is for the team’s defensive needs or if additional signings are still necessary to strengthen the squad further.
Bashir Humphreys, who is only 20 years old, has already made his debut for Brighton in the FA Cup against Manchester City under the guidance of manager Graham Potter. His potential and talent have caught the attention of many. He has been tipped for a promising future at Stamford Bridge. Thus, suggesting that he could become an integral part of Chelsea’s squad in the coming years.
Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino has demonstrated a willingness to trust the youth players already at Chelsea. This approach could prove beneficial for the club. Since, it may save money if he decides to promote either Bashir or Xavier Gilchrist to the squad. Relying on young talents from the academy can not only provide cost-effective solutions but also offer the potential for long-term development and success within the team.
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