Tuchel backs ‘specialist’ Alonso to step in for Chilwell

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Thomas Tuchel has insisted Chelsea have adequate cover without the injured Ben Chilwell.

Marcos Alonso is set for a run in the side after Chilwell suffered a knee injury which could keep the England international out for several months.

Asked if he believes Chelsea have enough options in the left wing-back position, Blues boss Tuchel said: “Yes. Yes we have.


“First of all we have Marcos, who started the season for us when Chilly was in a bit of trouble and a difficult moment for him.

“We trust him. Marcos is very experienced.”

Marcos Alonso of Chelsea
Alonso was chosen ahead of Chilwell earlier in the season

And Tuchel also indicated that Callum Hudson-Odoi might be deployed in the role during a hectic schedule of fixtures.

Hudson-Odoi has operated at right wing-back but is clearly happier in the more advanced position he has been playing in recently.

But Tuchel explained: “They (Chilwell and Alonso) compete for one position, which is the left wing-back position, and suddenly if one has a longer injury like Ben now it can suddenly seem that you don’t have enough.

Chelsea: Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi can play on either flank

“If you look at the schedule it seems like ‘Oh, does Marcos have to play every three days?’ Is that possible? Maybe not.

“I think we still have Callum, who can play on the left side as a wing-back, and we have other ideas we can maybe try.

“But first of all Marcos is the one in charge. He’s the specialist (wing-back).”

Meanwhile, Jorginho, Reece James and Timo Werner are doubts for Wednesday’s game at Watford.