Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile should be fit enough to make the Blues’ squad for their next game against Arsenal after the international break.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, writing on his Substack Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, it is “highly likely” that Benoit Badiashile will be available to play again in two weeks’ time.
The centre-back has been out on action since picking up an injury at the end of last season.
It was a blow for Chelsea, but they have managed to cope in the Frenchman’s absence.
The Blues bought Axel Disasi in the summer, while Levi Colwill returned from his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, so Mauricio Pochettino still has options in central defence.
Benoit Badiashile on the bench
It will probably be too soon for Badiashile to start against Arsenal. And as mentioned above, Chelsea do have other centre-halves.
On top of Colwill, who has actually been playing at left-back this season, Pochettino also has Thiago Silva available to him.
It means there is no need to rush Badiashile back, while Chelsea’s defence has not been terrible, so Pochettino does not really have to make changes right now.
Badiashile, then, should have the opportunity to be eased back into things. But with all of the injuries that Chelsea have had to deal with in the current campaign so far, maybe Pochettino will end up needing the 22-year-old sooner than expected.
Another injury always looks to be around the corner at Stamford Bridge these days. It has been that kind of season for the Blues.