CHELSEA could recall Emerson Palmieri or Ian Maatsen back from loan to replace Ben Chilwell, reports suggest.
Chilwell has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he will require knee surgery after damaging his ACL during last month’s 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
The Blues were originally planning to let the left-back heal with a “conservative rehab approach” but that didn’t work out and he will thus go under the knife, which will in turn sideline him until the summer.
Chelsea issued the following statement: “After a knee injury in the match against Juventus the Chelsea medical department, in collaboration with their knee specialist, took the decision to attempt a conservative rehab approach.
“Unfortunately Ben was unable to progress and so collectively the decision has been taken to proceed this week with a surgical repair.”
According to Goal, the west Londoners may opt to call back either Emerson or Maatsen from Lyon and Coventry respectively.
However, that is going to depend on their current arrangements with the respective clubs.
Emerson has been established as a key player for Lyon and the same goes for 19-year-old Maatsen, who has amassed 20 appearances in the Championship.
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Chelsea could also move for Everton ace Lucas Digne, who appears to have fallen out with manager Rafa Benitez.
Digne is being offered by the Toffees around ahead of the January transfer window.
The reigning European champions could attempt to seal a six-month loan deal but the Toffees may have to think twice about strengthening a Premier League opponent.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is left with Marcos Alonso as the only left-back solution, with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Saul Niguez and Christian Pulisic previously filling in.
Malang Sarr also poses as an alternative and thus Tuchel may not be keen on letting him go amid interest from AC Milan.
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