Chelsea have several first-team stars away representing their countries during the international break, with plenty aiming to impress before Euro 2024 this summer. TalkSPORT pundit Scott Minto has raised a concern about one Blues player and his fitness, though.
There’s very few Chelsea players at the club that have consistently performed to their best over the course of the season so far, but it’s still a squad at Stamford Bridge filled with internationals.
England called up the trio of Ben Chilwell, Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer into their camp during the March international break. Will any of them feature in tonight’s international friendly at home to Belgium?
Chelsea duo Chilwell and Gallagher both started in England’s 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday. Now, the former’s come in for a bit of criticism.
Chilwell started at left-back for England against Brazil at the weekend and lasted until midway through the second-half.
Scott Minto has since raised his concern that the £50 million Chelsea defender (Sky Sports) doesn’t look fully fit after watching him perform for his country.
When discussing Chilwell after his performance against Brazil, Minto told talkSPORT: “Gareth [Southgate] said after the game he was really pleased with him. I think it was somewhere in-between what people are saying about him and what Gareth said.
“He’s had a lot of injuries over the last couple of years but this season as well. I think that has been a problem.
“I don’t think he’s a 100 per cent match fit as yet. There were a couple of crosses that weren’t too good. I thought he defended pretty well.
“I like him. I think he’s good. I think he’s got that mentality as well.
“Is left wing-back more suited? Maybe. Can he play left-back? Absolutely!”
Ben Chilwell struggling with stop-start season
Chilwell did look a bit rusty on the international stage a few nights ago, but people may not be aware it was only his third England cap since 2021.
The energetic full-back is definitely still working his way back to full speed after his latest injury setback. He’s made 19 Chelsea appearances across all competitions this campaign, but there’s been no chance to gain any momentum because of injury interruptions.
Speaking via talkSPORT earlier this month, Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed he would pick Chilwell in England’s starting line-up at this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
Our guess is the Blues left-back will be on the plane to Germany for the major international competition, but he won’t be in the best XI.
It would great for club and country if Chilwell can finish the final months of the season without injury.
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