Tuchel on Chilwell fitness, Aubameyang talk and Cucurella

The Premier League finally returns on Friday – thank goodness. Oh how we’ve all missed it, whichever team you happen to support. While Chelsea fans await a Saturday kickoff, there has been much Blues-related stuff happening this week. Head coach Thomas Tuchel will be one of the busiest men in London at the moment, along with chairman Todd Boehly. The American is reportedly filling in as an interim recruitment chief presently. Business is being successfully handled in all departments, in spite of what you may hear. Yes some targets opted for Barcelona, etcetera, but that can happen to any club in any era.

Meanwhile CFC have strengthened in every area they set out to; it is unclear if the boss wants a traditional No.9 for his starting lineup, though one may still arrive. Although I think, deep down, the German knows he requires natural born goalscorers. Happily for those of us who want to see Armando Broja given a true chance, it appears the Albania international might perhaps be the only recognised senior striker at Stamford Bridge. However, as I said, a new marquee centreforward signing could still transpire, especially with Boehly’s attempts to leave no stone unturned.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel asked about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell’s fitness

The pre-Everton press conference has now taken place, but was slightly overshadowed by a significant announcement directly afterwards which we shall discuss very soon. Tuchel spoke on numerous topics, as can be expected. The main revelation here was the indication that left-sided defender Ben Chilwell is unlikely to start versus the Toffees.

Of course the former Leicester City man has only just returned from a prolonged period on the sidelines following a bad injury. Whilst the German mentioned improvement in Chilwell’s fitness, he simultaneous claimed the athlete needed time to adapt with respect to “rhythm and physicality”. Throwing the 25-year-old back in full time would naturally be a risk; it appears Chels’ are not willing to be complacent.

Adding to CFC’s prudence is the fact that Marc Cucurella has now officially signed for the Blues. No section of the side is weak – and those starters are backed by talented national team players. According to this article, ‘TT’ has assured Chilwell that he remains the ‘starting wingback’

Yet Chilwell must certainly be as focused as possible, as the ex-Brighton man won’t be settling for rotation status and will be battling for a place in the best XI. If I had to choose the player from the pair who may become undroppable, I would select the Spaniard.

Another element which will excite supporters is that Cucurella was registered before the deadline for the first match with EFC. A debut feels likely with Marcos Alonso surely leaving and Chilwell not 100 per cent.

Meanwhile, when quizzed on the possible arrival of the Alella-born man, Tuchel declared “Marc [Cucurella] is a fantastic young player, very intelligent and mobile. That’s why we hope it goes through.” In addition, the gaffer refused to answer a question concerning interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, saying “We will not comment further, a lot of names out there – some we talk about, some speculation.” Which could suggest CFC are not pursuing the Barcelona forward, but was also an ambiguous response.