One player who has suffered under Chelsea’s injury crisis this season is Marco Palestra. The Italy star made a real impression in pre-season, but injury stopped Palestra from playing at the start of the season.

Mancini has advice for Alonso regarding Palestra

Given Chelsea’s extensive injury list, Palestra has already played in numerous positions since his return from injury. Right wing-back, right-back and even starting as a left-back in the win against Man United.

It is unclear what Palestra’s best position is, though he is naturally a right-back. While on loan at Cagliari last season, 31 of his 37 appearances came as a right-winger though. Palestra is now with Italy’s squad.

“I think he’s a very offensive right-back, I don’t think he can be a winger, but he’s very young so he can become as such. It’ll take time to regain fitness, but he has great quality, he is an attacking full-back.”

When Reece James returns, who should start at right-back?

This season, Reece James, Palestra, Malo Gusto, and even Josh Acheampong have played at right-back. It highlights Chelsea’s lack of consistency, with Alonso tinkering and forced into changes given the injuries.

But with all four fit, who should start? Alonso’s preferred midfield is James and Moises Caicedo, meaning that when the England star is fit, the chances are James starts in midfield, rather than at right-back.

When Chelsea play with a back three, Acheampong on the right of that three makes sense. Given the form of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, Acheampong might even be the better pick at centre-back.

It is quite clear that Alonso does not see Gusto as a starter, with the France star not starting a league game since the draw against Hull. When all are fit then, it looks like Palestra is first choice at right-back.