THOMAS TUCHEL could be without Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season amid fears the left-back suffered a serious knee injury in the win against Juventus.
If Chilwell is out long-term, then Chelsea will be tempted to dip into the transfer market in January to sign a replacement.
Chilwell had to be helped from the pitch after jarring his leg in the 4-0 win over Juve and is undergoing scans to discover the extent of the injury.
It leaves Marcos Alonso as Tuchel's only other current option in the position.
And with the Blues expected to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts this campaign another left-back could be a priority.
Here SunSport take a look at who Tuchel may target when the transfer window opens on January 1.
He could decide to either break the bank or opt for a low cost alternative with Chilwell still set to be his No1 when he returns.
Theo Hernandez
Hernandez falls under the break the bank category.
The 24-year-old AC Milan left-back is currently in the midst of a title race with the Rossoneri, but could have his head turned if the European Champions came knocking.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Manchester City and PSG have previously been linked with the France international, who the San Siro outfit keen to tie down to a new deal.
An extension for the speedster is yet to be agreed, and as one of the hottest left-back prospects in football is certainly a possible option for Tuchel and Co.
Alex Sandro
Sandro is another option from Serie A and is already familiar with the Blues having taken them on twice this season with Juventus.
The 30-year-old Brazilian would provide an experienced head and not command as high of a transfer fee as Hernandez.
He has been a stalwart in the Juve side since joining from Porto six years ago, turning out 248 times for the Old Lady.
But with his contract expiring in the summer of 2023 Juve bigwigs may be forced into a sale to secure the highest transfer fee possible.
Lucas Digne
The Blues on the other hand may choose to a target a player with proven Premier League experience.
And with cash-strapped Everton desperate for some new faces at Goodison Park, they may be forced into selling one of their prized assets to free up funds.
The 43-cap French international still has over three years left on his deal so the Toffees are in a strong bargaining position.
But the Blues may be tempted into an offer for a player who has played 90 minutes in all but one of Everton's league games this season.
Ian Maatsen
Or Tuchel could place his trust in youth.
The 19-year-old is currently out on loan at Championship side Coventry but could soon find himself thrust into the limelight.
Maatsen has started 17 out of 19 gamesfor the Sky Blues in the second-tier this campaign and could be looking at an early recall from the West Midlands.
Maatsen has one Chelsea appearance to his name – a 24 minute cameo in the Carabao Cup two years ago – but could soon see his minutes dramatically increase.
Rico Henry
Brentford man Henry would prove to be a shrewd addition if he was snapped up in the New Year.
The 24-year-old already plays as a wing-back for the Bees, so is already familiar with the formation Tuchel employs at Stamford Bridge.
Henry has impressed in his debut top-flight season, scoring two goals in his last two outings for Brentford.
A move for the Englishman is not likely to come at a huge cost, and it would mean the Blues are well stacked in the area when Chilwell returns as the No1.
⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Source: Read Full Article