Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell ahead of schedule

Ben Chilwell, previously thought to be ruled out for the season after sustaining an ACL injury last month, could be set to return far sooner than expected.

The injury is seemingly not as severe as first thought, and Nizaar Kinsella of Goal.com has revealed that he did some light fitness work last week.

And, speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel corroborated such claims, revealing that:

“He did some running. Everything looks good, so hopes are still up. But we cannot confirm it. [his return]”

While this will come as good news, there could still be a January addition.

Chelsea planning a January move for Lucas Digne

Now, in a surprising turn of events, Chelsea are reportedly plotting a January swoop for out of favour Everton defender Lucas Digne.

The French defender has fallen out of favour with Rafa Benitez, and has found himself axed from the squad for the past three games.

This, combined with Everton’s reported acquisition of a new left-back in the form of Vitaly Mykolenko, has left the door wide open for Digne’s departure.

And it could be a door that Chelsea find themselves knocking on, with full-back trouble and fears of potentially rushing Ben Chilwell back too soon amid a heavily congested fixture list.

As per the Express:

“Chelsea are considering a move for Digne as Tuchel looks to bolster his options.”

However, they are not alone, with “a whole host of Premier League clubs” keen on the defender, specifically with “Newcastle and Leicester also vying for his signature.”

Tuchel’s side. however, are theoretically the best placed to land him should they wish, being able to offer regular top four action as well as European football, something that the other two sides mentioned cannot.

Would it be a smart move for the Blues?

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