Branislav Ivanovic picked up a hamstring injury while representing his country, an injury that might have a big effect on his Chelsea career. According to the Mirror, even though it is yet to be established for how long the Serbian will be out, he might not get a chance to come back as a first pick for the starting eleven. Ivanovic has been heavily criticized in recent times in the media and blamed for several situations in which Chelsea conceded crucial goals. Mourinho has insisted on using him though and refused to start with summer signing Baba Rahman. Apparently, Chelsea’s boss is yet to be suitably impressed by the Ghana international who is not yet ready to handle the high stakes of the Premier League.

Rahman was featured in the game against Tel Aviv and is very likely to make a few more appearances in the weeks to come. Mourinho does not have many options anymore and will have to force the 21-year-old into the starting eleven as he is the best option right now. Azpilicueta would be the other option but then who would handle the left side of the field? Aside from the more well-known defenders, the Blues also have center back Papiss Mison Djilobodji and right-back Ola Aina. If Rahman is too unexperienced, these two youngsters are surely even less entitled to make their debut in the starting eleven.

Maybe Rahman’s involvement in the first eleven will be a good thing as he may add some youthful freshness to the side. It remains to be seen how well will the 21-year-old handle the responsibility.