Trevoh Chalobah could be set for Chelsea lifeline after update – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Trevoh Chalobah to start for Chelsea against Leicester on Saturday (27 August) after Kalidou Koulibaly’s “stupid” sending-off.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old is deserving of restoration to the starting line-up after his good performances last term.
Koulibaly was dismissed for a second bookable offence during the 3-0 away defeat at Leeds United on Sunday (21 August) and will be banned for the home game against Leicester on Saturday (27 August).
According to the London Evening Standard (20 August), Chalobah has “concerns” about his playing time at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea chase a big-money deal for Wesley Fofana.
The report claims the defender could seek a permanent or loan move away from the club in the closing days of the window – amid interest from Tottenham and Inter Milan.
Chalobah has been an unused substitute for each of Chelsea’s three Premier League outings thus far this season.
Whelan backed the former England Under-21 international to start against Leicester.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Chalobah will probably get the nod.
“It’s probably not the circumstances Chalobah will have wanted to get the opportunity in, but this is why you have squad players.
“I think he’s deserving of the opportunity.
“Tuchel has played Reece James or Marc Cucurella as centre-backs this season. Why not put Chalobah in there and push those two on?
“These decisions baffle me, when you have someone like Chalobah in reserve. He’s got the quality, the height, the pace.
“They’ve lost Koulibaly to a stupid decision from an experienced player.”
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