Calum McFarlane has just shown Xabi Alonso the part of Chelsea’s squad needing major surgery

It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!

This summer is set to be a crucial one for the club. European qualification remains a possibility and if the Blues can achieve that, it helps Alonso’s work in the market – more incoming cash, and more of a lure.

But Alonso needs to sort out his current squad first. Chelsea have a bloated squad that will only grow at the end of the season when loanees and new signings join, like Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha.

Calum McFarlane explains duo’s absence, they aren’t injured

Reports say Alonso has identified the need for a new, experienced goalkeeper. The Spaniard is also likely to pursue a left-winger and competition up top. But Calum McFarlane has identified a major problem.

Speaking in today’s press conference, McFarlane was asked about the absences of duo Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile. The interim manager said they have not been involved due to a wealth of options.

“Benoit and Mamadou didn’t make the squad – we can use them in the next two games potentially. We have a lot of players in their position,” McFarlane said during his pre-match Tottenham press conference.

The return of Levi Colwill has pushed Badiashile and Sarr – who returned to Chelsea in January after a loan at Strasbourg – down the pecking order. Ultimately, Chelsea have a huge number of players in defence.

None of which, Alonso may suggest, are good enough aside from Colwill. Even Wesley Fofana could leave in the summer, with his representatives talking to Barcelona ahead of a potential £26m summer exit.

Alonso has got to perform major surgery at centre-back

When Chelsea’s loanees return, Alonso will have 10 players available to play at centre-back. Axel Disasi is unlikely to be joining West Ham permanently with the Hammers now destined to be relegated.

One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦‍♂️

Aaron Anselmino will also return from a disappointing loan at Strasbourg. Currently at Chelsea, there is Colwill, Sarr, Badiashile, Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato.

While Acheampong and Hato can play at full-back, that is clearly too many centre-backs even if Alonso chooses to use the 3-4-2-1 system that thrived in Germany. Alonso will have to oust a few defenders.

Especially, because it is likely he will want the club to sign an experienced centre-back in the summer. McFarlane literally says it, that there are a lot of players in that role and Alonso will have to sort it out.