Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile seen in training and could be available for action soon
As per the Metro, Chelsea have received a key injury boost as Benoit Badiashile has returned to training. The centre-back has yet to make an appearance this season but is closing in on a return.
The 22-year-old picked up a groin injury during the end of the season, which prolonged his rehabilitation. With Wesely Fofana also out of the picture and Axel Disasi struggling to maintain consistency, the former Monaco star’s return gives Mauricio Pochettino the opportunity to rotate his defence.
The international break has eased Chelsea’s growing list of injuries and also allowed time for Pochettino to get his players up to speed. With Premier League games set to return this week, we will hopefully see a Blues side that is more cohesive.
Reece James has also started light training and will soon return to action. Due to Malo Gusto’s spectacular performance at right back, Chelsea have the least to worry about this time about the right-back position.
Badiashile showed promise last season when given the chance. The Argentine boss could switch up his defenders as a result of his return and allow the 22-year-old more games to regain his fitness.
After the international break, the West Londoners will face Bournemouth on September 17 and will be hoping the 22-year-old is fully fit by then. So far, Pochettino has deployed an unchanged line-up with Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Levi Colwill at the back.
Given that Disasi hasn’t performed particularly well in games, Pochettino will have more alternatives at the back with Badiashile’s return. The age of Silva may also play a role in giving the Frenchman a greater role in the game. The Blues will benefit from Badiashile’s comeback after Fofana’s prolonged absence. Despite playing fewer minutes last season, the centre-back scored one goal.
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Pochettino will hopefully have the answers for us this time because the team needs to resume its winning ways following two losses in its previous four games. The results haven’t been good, but our performance has improved, so let’s see what adjustments Pochettino will make against Bournemouth.