Benoit Badiashile has returned to full group training and could only have arrived in time for Chelsea with exactly what they needed. The Blues will go into a crucial week of matches against Copenhagen in the Conference League and against Leicester City in the Premier League after a dominating 4-0 win over Southampton. Badiashile may not be the man first on the team sheet, but his comeback provides welcome depth in Chelsea’s defensive choices.
To be frank, we can hardly afford to lose players and, looking at Chelsea’s injury record in recent years, it’s going to take every available player just to make a team. Even the club’s mascot might see some game time at this rate.
How Badiashile’s Return Helps Chelsea’s Defence
It won’t be a shock to the world but Badiashile’s return will give Chelsea:
Bench Strength – Literally, Chelsea’s bench is less powerful than my willpower at an all you can eat buffet; being able to call on another defensive option now will prove useful.
Healthy Competition – No one should intimidate the current title holders, and others can challenge them to improve.
Mauricio Pochettino is now able to rotate his backline as the crucial matches approach, as the fresh legs are needed.
Will Badiashile start against Copenhagen? Maybe. Will he immediately change Chelsea’s defence? Probably not. But will his return help? Absolutely.
Can he Cement His Place in Chelsea’s Lineup?
This season Chelsea’s defence, has been as rock solid as a house of cards in a wind tunnel. Therefore, being unable to settle a backline has been made difficult by injuries, inconsistent performances, and tactical reshuffles.
Badiashile will have to fight to get into the team with wins by Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella. Competition is however a good thing, even for the best defenders, they need someone breathing pressure on them to stay sharp (Thiago Silva) except the legend!
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