Chelsea

On Friday morning, the Blues confirmed that they had made the decision to recall the 19-year-old from his loan stint at Boca Juniors.

A £15.6m deal had been sealed during the summer transfer window before the centre-back went on to make a total of 18 appearances for the Argentine giants in 2024.

The club's hierarchy now has a decision to make over how to handle the next phase of Anselmino's development, particularly after his latest hamstring injury.

"He needs time"

There have been conflicting reports as to whether Anselmino will be loaned out to a European club or kept at Chelsea to settle into his new surroundings.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Maresca suggested that there were currently no plans for Anselmino to be thrust into action anytime soon.

The Italian told reporters: "It's another talent, another good player. It's important to arrive here and adapt, find a house and settle in the right way.

"We need to give him time to adapt, a new world and a new culture. We will help him to adapt as soon as possible."

Anselmino, who is on a contract until 2031, has not played competitive football since November 11.

Could Chelsea's plans change?

While Anselmino theoretically finds himself down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, there is scope for that changing over the coming weeks.

As it stands, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi are Chelsea's only fit centre-backs. Renato Veiga can also be deployed there if required.

Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are both sidelined in the long term through injury, Maresca revealing on Friday that Fofana could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

That leaves Chelsea in a position where they will have to contemplate doing business in the transfer market, providing that they can generate suitable funds through the exits of players who do not feature in Maresca's plans.

Written by

Darren Plant