Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea are ‘looking into the market’ in January and has discussed the situations of Ross Barkley and Emerson Palmieri.
Chelsea have been linked with reinforcing their squad during the winter window, with the signing of a left-back believed to be on the club’s agenda following the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell.
Speaking ahead of the club’s FA Cup tie with Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Tuchel has confirmed that the west Londoners are assessing the market for potential additions.
“Well, we are discussing and we are in talks, of course, with the staff and the board and the scouting, of course, checking the possibilities as we would always do,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“But given the fact that we have some long-term injuries we’re looking into the market, we’re looking into some possibilities, not in the very highest pressure. And things have to make sense for us personality-wise, position-wise, and also in quality. So we have all options and we’ll check them out.”
Tuchel also discussed potential outgoings and the possibility of Ross Barkley leaving during the January window, the midfielder having started just four games across all competitions after returning from a loan spell at Aston Villa last season.
The German revealed he has not discussed a potential loan exit with the 28-year-old and admitted Barkley could feature as Chelsea rotate their options against the National League leaders tomorrow.
“We haven’t discussed it yet. It depends on what Ross wants and what possibilities there are. If there are possibilities and what makes sense, let’s see.
“There is always a chance [for him to play]. It’s not like, ‘Oh, it’s the FA Cup so now you have a chance play’. There is always a chance to make the team and squad and to make it onto the pitch, especially when there are a lot of Covid and injury cases.
“The situation has not changed for Ross or anybody else. We will take the decision later but he has to do a good training, show he is ready, and we will make a decision tomorrow morning.”
Chelsea are understood to have held talks with Lyon about recalling Emerson from his loan spell at the French side, with the left-back’s return potentially providing cover in Chilwell’s absence.
Tuchel hailed the Italy international as a ‘top professional’ and suggested Chelsea are hopeful of bringing the defender back to Stamford Bridge with Chilwell ruled out for the remainder of the season.
“I will not give you any details but I will not hide from the fact that we have a long-term injury with Ben Chilwell as our left wing-back, he will miss the whole season. We know Em and appreciate Em as a player and a person.
“He had such a huge influence – even though he didn’t have a lot of minutes last season – because he is a top guy and a top professional. He is still a Chelsea player but it is not only what I wish for, we need to evaluate the situation.
“We are looking into it on this position and he is one of the options. I will not comment further.”
