Chelsea now have no choice but to sign £35m player after Mauricio Pochettino shares injury update

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Chelsea’s need to sign a new left-back could be about to become more urgent.

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed in his pre-match press conference yesterday that Ben Chilwell has picked up another injury.

“We need to wait until he sees the specialist,” Pochettino told football.london and the rest of the English media. “I cannot go in advance. I hope it’s not a big issue but after eight or nine months here at the club, I prefer to wait.”

Marc Cucurella now looks likely to start against Newcastle United on Monday if he is fit, but with the Spaniard’s future in doubt, Chelsea’s left-back situation does not look good at the moment.

According to Fabrizio Romano, his place in the squad next season is not 100% guaranteed.

Amid the Blues’ left-back crisis, they have been linked with Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, a player who they may very well need to sign now. He is of interest to them, a report from GiveMeSport claims, and could cost £35m, the same outlet has suggested.

Chelsea need to sign Antonee Robinson or another left-back

At this stage, Chelsea have to bring in Robinson or someone else who can play on the left side of defence.

In an ideal world, Ian Maatsen would return from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund and stay put. That fixes the problem and saves Chelsea a lot of money.

However, Pochettino never fancied Maatsen, handing the 21-year-old just one start in the Premier League this season, while the club seem more than happy to get rid of him. Before leaving Stamford Bridge, he signed a new contract with a £35m release clause.

That getting triggered means Chelsea would have to sign someone like Robinson if they do decide they need a new left-back.

The USA international ticks a lot of boxes. He has Premier League experience, the pace to play at full-back and is great at winning the ball back.

Robinson, who recorded a top speed of 35.34 km/h in the top flight last season, is making 2.5 interceptions per game this term, the most in Fulham’s squad (WhoScored).

When you look at Chelsea’s squad, a centre-forward probably needs to be their priority, not Robinson. But after Chilwell’s latest injury, the 26-year-old has to move up their list.