‘They’re just waiting’: Journalist shares why Chelsea have not given player his debut yet

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Denis Zakaria is yet to receive his Chelsea debut because the club are waiting for him to reach full match fitness, it’s been claimed.

Zakaria, 25, completed his move to Stamford Bridge at the start of September on a season-long loan from Juventus. The Blues have the option to sign him permanently next summer, too.

However, the midfielder has not played in any of the three Chelsea games to take place since his arrival.

The on-loan defensive midfielder has been on the bench twice so far, including during Graham Potter’s first game in charge as the new Blues head coach.

He’s been with Switzerland during the international break and got some minutes off the bench in the weekend’s win against Spain.

Denis Zakaria Chelsea debut

Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has detailed that Chelsea are purposely holding back Zakaria’s debut because of his fitness.

He did play twice in Juventus colours at the start of the 2022/23 season before completing his loan to England, but the Blues haven’t thought he’s ready.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips said: “Zakaria, he’s going to get his chance. They’re just waiting for him to have his full match fitness because when he came into Chelsea, he didn’t quite have that, so he’s not played yet.

“He’s going to get a look-in; he brings something completely different to the rest of them, so it’ll be interesting to see how he uses him and if he uses him.”

Zakaria recently admitted he joined Chelsea on the summer’s deadline day within six hours of hearing about the interest, which suggests not a lot of planning has gone into this deal.

Let’s hope this is one of those deals that turns out to be an inspired transfer.

He’s going to need to have full match sharpness to thrive during his first taste of the Premier League, so perhaps not chucking him before the international break was a smart move from the club.

Saul Niguez quickly sunk last season after a slow start to his Chelsea loan, but Zakaria is going to be a lot more prepared when he takes to the field.

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