Aaron Anselmino injury latest: Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso issues update on forgotten £17m signing

Anselmino remains several weeks away from fitness after multiple injury setbacks; will miss Manchester United clash on Saturday.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Aaron Anselmino is still weeks away from returning to full fitness. The 21-year-old Argentine defender, signed from Boca Juniors for £17 million in August 2024, has struggled with repeated injuries throughout 2026 and is unavailable for Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United.

Anselmino has made just one competitive appearance for Chelsea—two minutes in the Club World Cup against Benfica last year. After loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg, he returned to Stamford Bridge but was forced off with injury during a pre-season friendly against Johor Darul Ta'zim in August and has not featured since.

Alonso said the club must be cautious with Anselmino's recovery given the recurring nature of his injuries. Separately, goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who suffered jaw surgery after colliding with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, could return ahead of schedule against Sunderland before the international break and would wear a face mask if available.