CHELSEA are concerned Marcos Alonso’s commitment levels have dropped off as a result of the bumper £100,000-per-week contract they awarded him last October.
Reports claim many at Chelsea believe the lucrative new deal has dramatically impacted the left-back’s attitude and ultimately resulted in him losing his place in the starting XI.
The Spanish international is now behind both Emerson Palmieri and Ceser Azpilicueta in the pecking order and their is little indication he is in Frank Lampard’s plans.
Lampard admitted their is no underlying reason for leaving out Alonso in recent weeks, instead stating his absence simply came down to his personal preference.
“I have selection choices in different positions. We need a squad,” Lampard said.
“Some players will be disappointed, but we need everyone.”
The emergence of Reece James further muddies the waters of a route back into the starting line-up for Alonso as Lampard continues to give youth a chance at Stamford Bridge.
James, 19, has played 12 times this season, with half of those outings coming in the Premier League, and has scored two goals.
Alonso played a key role in Chelsea’s most recent Premier League title success in 2017 as he operated in a wing-back role under Italian Antonio Conte.
He has, though, struggled to reach the same levels of performance in a more traditional full-back berth and there are concerns he has allowed his focus to slip this season.
The 28-year-old hasn’t been involved since being substituted in Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Ajax in the Champions League in early November.
He has made only seven Premier League outings this term and could well find his future in further doubt should Chelsea’s transfer ban be lifted.
Lampard confirmed the Stamford Bridge club are expecting a ruling on their transfer ban appeal imminently while speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Aston Villa.
“Very soon. I believe days,” Lampard said when questioned on the appeal decision.
“I haven’t heard any more, so I would reserve judgement [on January transfer plans] until we get the judgement.”
Alonso’s dip in form has led to Chelsea being linked with a number of left-backs and Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell has emerged as the front runner to come in.
The England international has been key in driving the Foxes’ fine Premier League form this term, providing three assists and scoring once to help Brendan Rodgers’ men climb to second in the table.
With Leicester flying high and sitting eight points adrift of Premier League pace setters Liverpool, it could prove difficult to extract the 22-year-old from the King Power Stadium.
