Chelsea's need for a right-sided defender is more apparent now then ever. Trevoh Chalobah has played more minutes in the last month for Chelsea than he did in the league between December 2021 and the end of last season.
He was nearly allowed to leave over the summer. Cesar Azpilicueta, for his physical limitations and defensive drop-off, has been a body at the back that the Blues, in this current squad, couldn't have done without. Reece James' injury, which will now keep him out until after the World Cup, means that he will have missed 30 games since the start of last term. At what point does someone become injury prone? He's got to be nearing the category.
For someone so key, almost certainly the most important player in the squad when fit, - N'Golo Kante is available even less, and that's saying something - Chelsea haven't addressed their lack of depth behind him.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate has just handed Graham Potter early Christmas present with clear Chelsea plan
Tino Livramento was allowed to leave as he didn't see a future at the club competing with James, Tariq Lamptey did the same months earlier, Dujon Sterling is on-loan again in the Championship, Jonathan Clauss didn't think he'd get enough gametime if he was to move. There's an irony in it that James himself is a barrier for high quality back-up, but without that Chelsea will be stagnant.
They tried to find a right-sided player, to their credit. Jules Kounde can play wingback and fullback, Denzel Dumfries too - but his price remains too high for someone with low attacking output. This is why Azpilicueta was offered a new two-year deal.
Moving forward Chelsea have no choice but to address the issue. Marc Cucurella was a £60m competitor for Ben Chilwell, the Blues will need someone of a similar pushing calibre to fight against James for the position because the minutes will undoubtedly come way or another.
One of the players they may well look at again is Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard. The Frenchman fits the bill as a right-sided player capable of being in a three or four. football.london understands that he was looked at by the club over the summer and now, heading into the World Cup and the final 18-months of his contract in Germany, it's crunch time.
Speaking to French publication L'Equipe, the 26-year-old said: "There’ve been no concrete talks over a new contract. I’ve immense respect for Bayern — I’m not against discovering a new project."
He added: "Maybe now is the time. Why not discover a new country? The sporting project has to be interesting."
Chelsea do hit his parameters. Exciting project, tick. New country, tick. After the World Cup, in which he is expected to be a starting player for Didier Deschamps' side, Pavard will be entering a key period. If it is left until the summer then Chelsea and Todd Boehly will have more leverage to get a deal done at a cut-price.
If Pavard is someone that Chelsea and Graham Potter want then being in full view in Qatar may come as a big advantage for the defender.
READ NEXT:
RB Leipzig confirm major move as Chelsea wait to announce £52.8m Christopher Nkunku transfer
How Chelsea star Conor Gallagher found out he was in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad
Roy Hodgson disagrees with Reece James England World Cup squad message after Gareth Southgate move
Who is Paul Winstanley? Brighton's head of recruitment set for Graham Potter Chelsea reunion
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
