Denis Zakaria has joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, with an option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
On switching to Stamford Bridge, Zakaria said: “I want to say hi to all the Chelsea fans. I’m very happy and proud to be a Blue and I cannot wait to see you soon at Stamford Bridge.”
Zakaria will add some much-needed defensive cover to Chelsea’s midfield, which has looked very weak since N’Golo Kante was injured once again.
However, it appears Chelsea may also use Zakaria in a different spot this season.
Speaking to the press recently, Thomas Tuchel suggested that the Swiss midfielder may also provide cover at wing-back for the west Londoners:
“He can play at even wing-back because he is fast enough and has the volume so I think giving the risks that you mentioned with Saul, he has a bit more positions to play in and a bit more of a physical profile hopefully,” Tuchel said.
Chelsea vs West Ham
Though we are only six games into the new season, this match feels like a must-win for both sides already.
Chelsea fell to another embarrassing defeat in midweek, meaning they are now 10th in the Premier League with just two wins from five in 2022/23.
They have also scored just six goals, an issue Tuchel is no doubt hopeful Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will fix once he begins to play.
As for West Ham, they have won just one game this season and are seriously struggling for goals. The Hammers have netted two in five, which is the joint-lowest record in the division.
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