Chelsea fans believe January signing Emerson Palmieri should be given a shot by manager Antonio Conte after Marcos Alonso’s ban.
Alonso was given a retrospective three-game ban by the FA for a late challenge on Southampton’s Shane Long during the 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon.
The ban means the Spaniard will miss this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against the Saints, as well as Chelsea’s next two Premier League fixtures against Burnley on Thursday and Swansea the following week.
The new of his ban will come as disappointment for Alonso, who only yesterday was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year.
Bad news for one often means good for another however. In Alonso’s absence, Brazilian Emerson Palmieri – who was signed from Roma for an initial £17.5m in January, could be in-line the make his first Premier League start for the Blues.
The 23-year-old’s only start in a Chelsea shirt came during February in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull City.
The Brazilian shone on the night, providing an assist for fellow January signing Olivier Giroud, and impressing with his dynamism on the left flank.
Chelsea fans will be hoping he put in a repeat performance at Burnley tonight, that is of course if he gets picked …
https://twitter.com/LavCFC/status/986246668692672512
According to Sky Sports:
'FA investigating alleged stamp by Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso in win over Southampton on Saturday'
Alonso is likely to get a ban for a silly pointless tackle which means Emerson Palmieri should finally get his chance to shine in the next few games. pic.twitter.com/KE0K0Z55BZ
— The Blue Co. Project Podcast (@BlueCoProject) April 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChelseaActivity/status/986223142677991424
Alonso banned meaning Emerson will get a chance pic.twitter.com/T23a80nQIn
— тнeo (@CFCTheo) April 17, 2018
Confirmation that Alonso gets a three match ban. He will be back for Liverpool at home. Over to you, Emerson Palmieri. #CFC https://t.co/MNQVx2Hsic
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) April 19, 2018
With 3 match ban on Alonso, it's time for Emerson to shine.
— Lesh (@joywinho) April 19, 2018
Really glad Alonso is suspended. Gives Emerson a chance to show what he's capable of with. He wasn't considered the 2nd best left back in Serie A last season for nothing.
— ZΛCH (@CFCZach) April 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/GiroudesqueSZN/status/986308684383969280
The world will now get to know who Emerson is now. Probably a deserved rest for Alonso. The challenge was ridiculous and the punishment is inevitable
— The Chelsea Dugout (@chelsea_dugout) April 17, 2018
Good for Chelsea. Emerson Palmeiri finally gets his chance and Alonso will be available for FA Cup final.
Elite thinking!
— Selwie (@Selwie) April 19, 2018