Chelsea Rumors: Gaffer Reveals Transfer Policy 'Depends On Ben Chilwell'

Transfer rumors are starting to kick back in as the winter transfer window nears its opening, and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that their plans will depend on recently injured left-back Ben Chilwell.

"First, we must be sure what we do with Ben. Then we decide if we go for internal solutions and if we trust that we can overcome this period. Everything depends on Ben Chilwell and how long he is out. Then on the alternatives, [we can think] if there is something to do, if there is a chance to do something,” Tuchel divulged to the media via Football London.

The 24-year-old left-back is currently out of action after suffering a partially torn ACL in their match against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on November 23, 2021.

Juventus central midfielder Adrien Rabiot attempted to take the ball away from Chilwell, but misplaced his foot inside of the left-back and struck the latter on the back of his knee, which caused him to tumble and writhe on the ground in visible pain.

The Guardian reported that Chilwell will most likely miss the rest of the season as the recovery for a torn ACL is pegged at around six-to-nine months.

Tuchel tapped longtime Chelsea stalwart and natural left-back Marcos Alonso to take the place of Chilwell in the meantime but also opted to select Saul Niguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic as a sort of replacement by committee setup.

The latter three have obviously not fared well as Niguez is mainly a central midfielder, while Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic are wingers first and foremost.

With Chilwell out for the foreseeable future, Chelsea does have options in the upcoming transfer window.

90Min reported that the Stamford Bridge side has been linked to Everton defender Lucas Digne, while they also have an option to call back 19-year-old Ian Maatsen from his loan at Coventry City.

The January transfer window opens on January 1, 2022 for most European sides, including England.

Meanwhile, clubs in Spain and France open their window two days later.

With Chilwell out for an extended period, the Blues have been undefeated but have only had three wins in their past five English Premier League games, which has led to them slipping to the third spot.

Chelsea is looking to make a run back to the top of the Premier League and replacing Chilwell soon will be the first step towards realizing that goal.