Things just go from bad to worse for Chelsea, after picking up just four points from as many games in the Premier League, one of the worst starts for a defending champion, they now have found out that their number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be out for at least a couple of months, if not more, after picking up an injury.
The big Belgian goalkeeper would be a huge miss for Chelsea as they need every player to be in top form if they are to get back to the top of the league, especially being eight points behind Manchester City already.
Chelsea did, however, make one shrewd signing in that of Asmir Begovic from Stoke City. The goalkeeper did make an appearance for the Blues against Swansea when he came on to play in goal as Courtois was red carded. Begovic did play against Manchester City as well and they were thumped by a rampant side, it could be time for him to step up and take the mantle from the young Belgian goalkeeper.
Thibaut out but is his place in jeopardy?
Courtois might have been one of the best goalkeepers last season, but he hasn’t been the most convincing this season. Although Chelsea did stick with him and sold Petr Cech to Arsenal, Courtois should be a little worried about his position at the club. At the moment, he has no chance of playing but if Chelsea gets into a winning streak with Asmir, then his place could be on the bench rather than in the first XI.
Courtois has looked shaky a couple of times this season and with the Chelsea defence not looking all that great, the goalkeeper has been called into action a lot more often than expected. Courtois could do with a bit of time out from the firing line, but this was not the way that he would have wanted to get a break from the team.
Begovic has the chance of proving his point that he did not move to Chelsea just to sit on the bench. If he does well during the time Courtois is out, he could very well become Chelsea’s number one for a while, Mourinho trusts Courtois though, the Portuguese did sell one of their best players ever in Petr Cech to a direct rival. The timing of the injury could not have been worse for both Chelsea and Courtois, but they have been dealt with a blow and hopefully Begovic can provide Chelsea with some positive news from this rather dire start to the season.