Chelsea may recall Italy international Emerson from his loan spell at Lyon

The Omicron variant of Covid-19 is wreaking havoc in England and has forced the postponement of several Premier League matches. The total number of games postponed now comes to 16. With more players infected by the virus, more postponed games may happen. 

The virus has affected the football culture in England with the spate of match postponements. Coaches have had to field players that would not make the first team, affecting results. 

The virus has made injuries to players more impactful, with coaches having to juggle the team and readjust their strategies. 

Chelsea are one of the worst-hit teams as the effect of the virus has seen them fall from the top of the table and now sit eight points behind league leaders Manchester City. The Blues have lost so much ground that they consider calling on some of their players out on loan.

One player Thomas Tuchel is considering his return is Italy international Emerson.

Chelsea consider recalling Emerson

With the league gradually slipping from within reach, Chelsea is looking to turn their season around. On Wednesday night, the Blues lost further ground to Manchester City. The 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge with Brighton and Hove Albion left them with more catching up to do.

With an injury to Ben Chilwell, Chelsea are considering recalling Italy international Emerson Palmieri from his loan at Lyon. The Chilwell injury has done a number on the Blue.

Emerson joined Lyon on a season-long loan move in August. The move came just weeks after helping Italy win UEFA EURO 2020.

With 15 Ligue 1 appearances under his belt this season and another three in the Europa League, Emerson has scored one goal and an assist for the French club. According to Sun Sport, the Italian international could return to Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer window.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is out for the rest of the season after doctors confirmed he had an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury. Chilwell copped the injury when Chelsea beat Juventus 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League.

Recall rather than buy

Chelsea could go into the market in January to buy another left-back. The Blues could also opt for getting a player on loan. It seems those options do not interest the Champions League defending champions. Reports suggest that they want to recall one of their players out on loan.

 Emerson is the most viable option because of the experience he boasts. Another option is Ian Maatsen, who is on loan at Coventry in the Championship. If Chelsea, however, decides to buy a player, Lucas Digne is ready to leave Everton with Inter showing an interest.

Chelsea’s defenders have been attracting much interest, with Antonio Rudiger and Reece James reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid.