Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested that Benjamin Chilwell will return to left-back against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has indicated that Ben Chilwell is expected to feature in tomorrow’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Although the England star was on the bench for the club’s last two matches, the manager did not directly confirm his place in the starting line-up on Wednesday night.
However, it looks like the left-back will at least get some game time on the pitch.
He has made six appearances this season but recently lost his place to Levi Colwill.
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell could feature against Brighton & Hove Albion, Mauricio Pochettino admits (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third round clash with the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino raised the possibility of the 26-year-old taking up the left-back position.
As quoted by Football London, the Argentine said:
“I’m very happy with Levi and the way he played.
He brings very good balance to the team.
Chilly has a chance to play tomorrow.
Maybe we didn’t use him in the best position because he’s a winger, that’s why when we started playing with Mischa, our thinking was to keep Levi in that position.
The upcoming match will raise curiosity about Chilwell’s position on the field.
This season he has been deployed in a more advanced role, while Colwill plays in the traditional left-back position.
If Pochettino plans to include the former Leicester City star in the starting line-up against Brighton, it would make sense to position him at left-back.
Considering Chelsea are playing at home and the Carabao Cup is probably their most realistic chance of winning a trophy this season, an early exit at this stage would be heartbreaking.
Due to the importance of the match, Pochettino should consider deploying a natural winger like Mykhailo Mudryk or Noni Madueke on the left side of the attack.
If Chilwell is selected in this position, it could reduce the Blues’ attacking movement in a knockout match.
Levi Colwill dominates the left-back position at Chelsea (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
In such an important match, the Blues need to attack more, so if the English defender is on the field, it is reasonable for him to return to the left-back role.
However, it remains unclear whether he will be inserted straight into the starting lineup or used as Colwill’s replacement.
One of the players most affected by this Colwill-Chilwell battle is Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish player has not started any Premier League matches this season, only making one appearance in the Carabao Cup.
During the summer, there were discussions about the left-back moving to Manchester United on loan.
However, the transfer did not take place.
However, the situation seems less clear as Pochettino prefers other options than the former Brighton star.
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