The Champions League Round of 16 was the ideal stage for Ben Chilwell to make his long-anticipated return to the Chelsea starting XI – it was also fitting given the hamstring injury suffered by the full-back in November occurred in the final group game of the competition.
Chilwell spent three months on the sidelines after being helped off against Dinamo Zagreb. He missed his chance to represent England at World Cup and could only watch on as Chelsea's form stuttered under Graham Potter. He was also unable to provide a genuine alternative to Marc Cucurella, whose form has deteriorated since the campaign restarted in December.
It's important to remember that Chilwell wasn't 100% match-fit at Signal Iduna Park against Borussia Dortmund. He had been given 10 minutes at home to Fulham. A little more away at West Ham United. But the 26-year-old's European experience was needed on an important night for Chelsea.
Chilwell didn't disappoint. His passing was reliable and often progressive inside his own half. His surges forward into Dortmund territory were well-timed. And he fashioned three goalscoring opportunities for his teammates that were ultimately not taken, which was the overarching theme of the evening.
That the England international managed to play 71 minutes was unexpected, especially given he spent his final minutes on the pitch limping. "About five minutes before he came off, he had a run down the side and had a kick on his ankle," Potter told football.london after the 1-0 defeat in Germany.
"I haven’t checked it over but I think it’s more a kick than anything else and probably a little bit of fatigue. That was his first start for some time so the idea before the game was to take him off at 60/70 minutes max. So that was the plan."
There will be many within the Chelsea fanbase eager to see Chilwell, signed from Leicester City for £50million in 2020, continue at left-back tomorrow when Southampton travel to Stamford Bridge. Yet that would be an unnecessary risk – and one Potter is unlikely to take given the left-back's fitness issues over the past year.
Chilwell has to be carefully managed; he can't afford any further injury absences this season. And starting him twice within 72 hours would be unwise on the part of Chelsea. Who could come in? Cucurella is the obvious – if not particularly popular – option.
The Spaniard has drawn the ire of supporters in recent weeks. He was jeered off the pitch by a minority against West Ham and booed onto it by a few dissenting voices in Dortmund. It is hardly the ideal environment for a player to regain confidence and rediscover their best form.
Cucurella needs a strong display to change his personal narrative – and also ensure Chilwell isn't overworked in the weeks ahead. The visit of bottom-of-the-table Southampton, who are without a head coach, may prove the perfect opportunity. It's one Potter should take.
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