Chelsea wing-backs Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta return to training
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea veterans Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta have returned to training. This could be a major boost for the Blues who have a packed schedule ahead of them. Azpilicueta suffered a knock in their loss to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final whereas Alonso missed the last two matches for the Blues after testing positive for Covid.
The West Londoners are set to face Norwich City and Newcastle United in the Premier League on 11th and 13th March respectively before taking on LOSC Lille in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie on 17th March. The Blues have already struggled with a plethora of injury issues this campaign that has disrupted their momentum on several occasions.
The London-based club have a crammed schedule and are on course to play six matches in March alone. With the club entering the business end of the season, fatigue and fitness can be a huge issue, and the availability of every player could prove to be invaluable.
The Spanish wing-back duo returned to training ahead of the fixture against the Canaries. Reece James also made his first start against Burnley in their last Premier League fixture since returning from injury. The availability of these experienced players could give Thomas Tuchel some much-needed respite with Ben Chilwell being the only first choice full-back not available at the moment.
Thomas Tuchel and his dependency on full-backs
Despite being open to tactical tweaks and formations, the German manager likes to play with a three-man defence. This gives a lot of freedom and creative licence to the wing-backs also putting an important responsibility on their shoulders.
James had a great impact against the Clarets as he opened the scoring for Chelsea on the day. When fit, the 22-year-old right wing-back is the first choice in said position but Azpilicueta has deputised quite capably in the absence of the English professional footballer.
With a hectic schedule, the former Borussia Dortmund manager would be looking to rotate his players to help maintain morale as well as avoid any unnecessary injury or fatigue. This would be especially true in the case of Reece James who has recently returned from injury. The availability of the 32-year-old Spaniard could help Tuchel in this regard.
Alonso has also proved that he still brings a lot to the pitch and has been an ominous presence on the left-flank whenever required. He has played a major role this season in the absence of the former Leicester City full-back. With the business end of the season, the Blues still have a lot of things to fight for.
The West Londoners picked up their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup last month. Whilst the departure of Russian owner Roman Abramovich may have brought a looming sense of uncertainty, the player and staff at Stamford Bridge will be hoping to put it all behind them and pick up more silverware by the end of the season.
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The experience of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta could be pivotal in helping the Blues weather this metaphorical storm. It would also provide Tuchel with some breathing space after Covid scares and nagging injury issues were threatening to derail the entire season not so long ago.