Aarón Anselmino
STR
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Apr 29, 2005 (21)
Right
6'1"
183 lb
StrasbourgAvailable off bench Thursday
Anselmino (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's EPL Cup match against Luton Town.
Analysis: Anselmino wasn't available for the EPL opener against Fulham on Monday, but the young center-back will be an option off the bench for this clash. Anselmino isn't expected to have a big role at Chelsea this season, and he's more than likely to leave on loan before the end of the transfer window to earn some much-needed consistent playing time. He spent the 2025/26 season on loan at both Dortmund and Strasbourg but only racked up 12 appearances (six starts) for both clubs between league play and UCL.
Not present Monday
Anselmino (undisclosed) is out for Monday's match against Fulham.
Analysis: Anselmino is not going to take the field on opening day for Chelsea, as the defender has not been selected for the team sheet despite his expected availability. It is unknown if this is a squad decision, and he really is fit, as they could be a possibility after a loan last season. That said, his status will be something to monitor in the final week of the window.
Back in the fold after scare
Anselmino (undisclosed) is available for Monday's season opener against Fulham, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "With the other players, let's see. We will check and assess them, but for sure because of the World Cup they came back a little bit later and will need a little more time, but they are all available and can be selected in the line-up against Fulham, for sure."
Analysis: Anselmino was forced off in tears during a preseason friendly against Johor Darul Ta'zim, the latest in a string of hamstring problems that have followed him since his move from Boca Juniors in 2024, including a disrupted loan spell split between Dortmund and Strasbourg. Clearing this scare and being deemed fit for the opener marks a rare bit of good injury news for the young defender as he looks to finally settle into a groove at Chelsea.
Forced off in tears
Anselmino (undisclosed) was forced off in tears during Chelsea's friendly against Johor Darul Ta'zim, with Reggie Watson replacing him in the 29th minute, according to Simon Johnson of The Athletic.
Analysis: Anselmino's career has been plagued by recurring hamstring issues since Chelsea signed him from Boca Juniors in 2024, including a difficult loan spell split between Dortmund and Strasbourg last season that limited him to just six appearances at Dortmund and three at Strasbourg without a single start. This latest setback adds to that frustrating pattern just as he appeared to be putting those fitness issues behind him. Anselmino is expected to undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury.
Trains fully at Cobham
Anselmino (hamstring) trained at Cobham last week as Chelsea's preparations continued ahead of the club's preseason tour starting late this week, according to the club.
Analysis: Anselmino's involvement in the high intensity session is a positive sign after a difficult loan spell split between Dortmund and Strasbourg last season, during which persistent injury issues limited him to just six appearances at Dortmund and three at Strasbourg without earning a start. His participation in training suggests he has put those fitness setbacks behind him, and his path forward, whether at Chelsea or out on loan again, will be one to track as preseason progresses.
Returns to Chelsea
Anselmino (hamstring) has returned to Chelsea from his loan with Strasbourg.
Analysis: Anselmino is back with his parent club after a season on loan, serving between Dortmund and Strasbourg. It was not an ideal season for the defender, as he dealt with numerous injuries that led to fewer minutes, earning six appearances with Dortmund and only three with Strasbourg, ending his time in France without earning a start due to constant injury issues. The future likely holds another loan for the defender as he tries to rid his injury issues and build more experience in the top levels. He could very well return to Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg, although the club could view other options, looking to have him on a European team that will give him regular minutes.
Returns to Chelsea
Anselmino was recalled from his loan spell at Dortmund by his parent club Chelsea, the German side announced.
Analysis: Anselmino was expected to remain in Dortmund on loan until the end of the season, but his parent club Chelsea activated a clause on Sunday evening to recall the defender from his loan. The 20-year-old made 10 competitive appearances for Dortmund, scoring one goal.
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