Chelsea ‘running on empty’ and Ancelotti return is ‘ominous’ – Wilkins
Ray Wilkins believes Chelsea are “running on empty” and have paid the price for selling Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic.
Wilkins, who served the Blues as a player, coach and assistant manager, has consistently criticised the decision to sell Matic to Manchester United during the summer.
With Tiémoué Bakayoko having struggled in midfield since arriving from Monaco and Michy Batshuayi still unable to establish himself as a first-team regular, Wilkins believes the squad’s limitations have been exposed.
Speaking on Talksport, he said: “They’ve only got one real centre-forward (Alvaro Morata), Michy Batshuayi is not up to it, and the release of Costa has cost them dearly.
“The sale of Nemanja Matic too. Bakayoko could have come and backed him up, but he doesn’t look like he’s the real deal at the moment.
“The way things have gone for them in the market haven’t really helped them.”
Chelsea are 14 points behind leaders Manchester City, increasing speculation over manager Antonio Conte’s future.
Former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a possible return to Stamford Bridge and is reported to have moved back to London.
Wilkins, who was Ancelotti’s right-hand man at the Bridge, said: “That’s pretty ominous – if Carlo’s going to live back in London then someone’s got to watch out.”
