{"id":10537,"date":"2026-05-19T11:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10537"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:24:29","slug":"calum-mcfarlane-has-just-shown-xabi-alonso-the-part-of-chelseas-squad-needing-major-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10537","title":{"rendered":"Calum McFarlane has just shown Xabi Alonso the part of Chelsea’s squad needing major surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"


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He might be officially confirmed as Chelsea manager on July 1, but Xabi Alonso will be busy working behind the scenes ahead of taking office at Stamford Bridge in six weeks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alonso has it all to do. He takes over a Chelsea side currently in ninth in the Premier League, with fans expectant after the Spaniard was given the job title \u2018manager\u2019 instead of \u2018head coach\u2019 when announced.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Xabi<\/div>
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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\u2019s work in the market \u2013 more incoming cash, and more of a lure.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Calum McFarlane explains duo\u2019s absence, they aren\u2019t injured<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Speaking in today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\"Calum<\/div>
Photo by Alex Pantling \u2013 The FA\/The FA via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cBenoit and Mamadou didn\u2019t make the squad \u2013 we can use them in the next two games potentially. We have a lot of players in their position,\u201d McFarlane said during his pre-match Tottenham press conference.<\/p>\n

The return of Levi Colwill has pushed Badiashile and Sarr \u2013 who returned to Chelsea in January after a loan at Strasbourg \u2013 down the pecking order. Ultimately, Chelsea have a huge number of players in defence.<\/p>\n

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 \u00a326m summer exit.<\/p>\n

Alonso has got to perform major surgery at centre-back<\/h2>\n

When Chelsea\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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One of many problems on the pitch at the moment \ud83e\udd26\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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