Four high potential players Chelsea lost to injury and loans

3. Baba Rahman

When Chelsea bought Rahman, he was statistically one of the best left backs in the Bundesliga. He also had the weird honor(?) of following Filipe Luis’ exit from Chelsea despite the former being regarded as one of the world’s best left backs just a year prior.

He actually did well given that 2015/2016 was the way it was. When Antonio Conte took over and yet another left back came in, it was decided that Rahman would go on loan to Schalke. That seemed like a fantastic idea until he damaged his meniscus just after the new year. He remained at Schalke but managerial changes and injury recovery go together poorly and he barely played for the side again.

He eventually was brought back to Chelsea only to go on loan again to Reims. He found his feet again there but it was strangely followed up with a loan to newly promoted La Liga side Mallorca. That would have been fine had he not gotten injured there almost immediately. He has spent nearly the entire season on the sideline.

What comes next for Rahman is an excellent question. The talent has always been there but it was never polished. The injuries have only ensured that he remains that way at 25.

If Chelsea decides to move Emerson and Marcos Alonso along for a new leftback, Rahman could do a job as a backup. But his injury history will give the Blues pause and even the largely untested Ian Maatsen may be a safer option at this point.