Tonight, Ben Chilwell starts his first game for Chelsea since November.
The left back was easing his way back from the bad knee problem which ruled him out for 12 months when a hamstring twang saw him downed again. It was a brutal moment both physically and mentally for the player, and it was hard to watch him carried off.
After two appearances off the bench, Chilwell starts tonight. His coach Graham Potter spoke to Chelsea’s in house media about why he was going to use the England star.
“Chilwell coming in for Marc [Cucurella] gives us a different type of profile for that position… I think he is ready to start tonight.”
By different profile, he means a more attacking profile. It’s not just a question of getting Chilwell into the team, it’s also about getting Cucurella (who has been playing very poorly and has the fanson his back) out of the firing line.
Just don’t expect a full 90 minutes from Chilly, who will need more time to reach match fitness.