Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has outlined the club’s plans for Aaron Anselmino following the 19-year-old’s recall from his loan spell at Boca Juniors.
The Blues secured Anselmino in the summer for £15 million, with an agreement to loan him back to the Argentine side for the season. However, the youngster’s return reflects Chelsea’s shifting priorities amid a defensive injury crisis.
Anselmino is one of several South American prospects Chelsea has acquired under the club’s new ownership, which has increasingly focused on the region’s burgeoning talent pool. The decision to bring him back now aligns with Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements, as Maresca confirmed that Wesley Fofana may miss the rest of the season and Benoit Badiashile is sidelined until February.
Maresca clarified that while Anselmino has shown promise at Boca Juniors, he is not yet ready to step into Chelsea’s first team. “At the moment, the plan is to keep him here, allow him to work with us, and then make a decision,” Maresca explained during a pre-match press conference.
When asked if the Argentine defender is prepared for first-team action, Maresca added: “No, if he’s here, it’s because we believe he’s a good player who can help us. But he’s very young, coming from Argentina—a completely different culture, football, and level. He needs time to adapt.”
With Trevoh Chalobah unavailable for recall from Crystal Palace due to the terms of his loan, Chelsea currently has only three fully fit centre-backs: Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi. This shortage leaves the club potentially exploring new signings during the January transfer window to strengthen their defensive line.
While Anselmino’s potential has been endorsed by Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme, the teenager’s immediate focus will be on acclimating to Chelsea’s setup as the club evaluates its next steps. January promises to be a pivotal month as the Blues navigate their options to address their injury woes.
