According to Goal.com reporting, defender Aaron Anselmino has been left out of Chelsea’s official team photo, marking the latest low point in a turbulent spell following his permanent arrival in January 2025. The 21-year-old center-back, who joined the Blues for a €16.5 million fee, has struggled with persistent hamstring and thigh injuries that have derailed his development across multiple loan spells and his return to London.
Aaron Anselmino Omitted from Chelsea Team Photo Following Injury Setbacks
Anselmino’s European journey has been defined by physical setbacks and limited playing time. After Chelsea initially loaned him to Borussia Dortmund, the German club recalled him in the winter, prompting a subsequent loan move to partner club Racing Strasbourg.
Limited Minutes and Recurring Injuries in Europe
The defender’s time in France proved disastrous, yielding just 15 minutes of action across three substitute appearances for Racing Strasbourg.
Since departing Argentina, Anselmino has racked up seven distinct injury absences. Across stints with Dortmund, Strasbourg, and Chelsea, he has logged only 14 professional appearances totaling 603 minutes since January 2025, with 97 percent of those minutes coming during his time in Germany.
Current Status Under Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge
Upon returning to Chelsea, Anselmino faced intense competition within a squad undergoing a major rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso, who has backed a transfer spend of just over €400 million on ten players. Despite featuring on the club’s Asia tour with substitute appearances against Tottenham, Juventus, and Milan, Anselmino’s fitness gave way again on August 9 during a pre-season match against Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim FC.
On August 27, he made the bench for an EFL Cup match against Luton Town but remained an unused substitute. On September 12, manager Xabi Alonso publicly noted Anselmino as one of three unavailable players ahead of a league clash against Hull City. Four days later, Chelsea captured their official team photo with Anselmino entirely absent from the frame.
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