Chelsea fans already have concern about Aaron Anselmino – Wesley Fofana case backs them up

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Of the players Chelsea currently have out on loan, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Aaron Anselmino has a case for the most exciting.

20-year-old centre-back Aaron Anselmino is currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga after Dortmund completed a loan move for him late in the summer window.

The Argentinian is a world-class defensive prospect. He’s got height, pace, defensive IQ and great technical ability for the position.

Despite Levi Colwill’s injury, Anselmino was still shipped off with the hope that he will be ready to contribute regularly next season. While Chelsea fans like what they have seen from him, they do have one rather large concern.

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Aaron Anselmino’s Borussia Dortmund start hindered

Anselmino’s Dortmund debut was in a 3-0 win over Union Berlin in game two of the campaign, where the Chelsea youngster put on a masterful performance, instantly endearing himself to The Yellow Wall.

But his strong start would be undone by a muscle injury that kept him out up until Tuesday night’s Champions League meeting with Copenhagen.

It’s cause for concern for both Dortmund and Chelsea, because Anselmino has already missed 51 games due to injury. Remember, he’s 20.

It brings the case of Wesley Fofana to mind. In three seasons at Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman has started just 28 games. Not great value for the £70 million Chelsea paid to Leicester for his services.

It’s no knock to Fofana’s ability as a defender. He has had some decent spells alongside Levi Colwill that tease fans with glimpses of his true quality. Romeo Lavia is in a similar boat.

The best ability is availability. Recruiting players to play half the games they should is just bad business.

And Chelsea fans are echoing these concerns.

Chelsea fans worried about Anselmino’s recurring injuries

Following his return to action in the Champions League, the discourse among Chelsea fans online was centered around their young loanee.

On the topic of the Argentinian’s extended absence, this fan remarks: “He is Lavia 2.0 . Our only hope is he grows out of his muscle injuries.”

Another fan agrees: “I’ve always had reservations about his injury record. Wasn’t the greatest when we signed him, and for a developing player to have extended patches from the onset, it hinders proper development.”

It’s not that fans don’t rate Anselmino’s ability. As this fan explains: “I worry for this guy, he’s supposed to be a generational player. what’s going on?”

In a similar sentiment: “He’s very good in my opinion, when I watched him he did well. Need him to stay consistent.”

Chelsea need centre-back options, and Anselmino could be a future star at Stamford Bridge, but not if injuries continue to derail him every few months.

This fan says it best: “Anselmino looked smashing in his debut at Borussia Dortmund. Clean performance, huge potential. But the recurring muscle issue is a real worry. If he’s going to become elite, he must play regularly and build rhythm. Standing on the sidelines risks stalling his growth.

“Let’s hope Dortmund & Chelsea F.C. (the parent club) handle this smartly… play him bold, manage him smart. Because he’s not just any CB. He could be one of the best.”

He may have only been on the pitch for five minutes on Tuesday night, but it suggests he is going to be available for the upcoming games.

Fans will continue to monitor the young prospect, hopefully seeing him string together a consistent run of games without running into more fitness issues. If he can develop as planned, he could be an invaluable addition for Enzo Maresca next season.