Marcus Bettinelli is now targeting a return to Chelsea training by the end of September after a lengthy period on the sidelines.
That is according to The Athletic.
So, what is the latest on Marcus Bettinelli at Chelsea? Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, the 31-year-old has been at Chelsea since July 2021 after arriving on a free transfer from Fulham.
Bettinelli has only ever made one first-team appearance for Chelsea, which came in the 5-1 win over Chesterfield in the FA Cup back in August 2022.
That is actually the last time Chelsea’s No.13 appeared for the Blues.
The Athletic explain how Bettinelli has been sidelined throughout the entire summer after undergoing surgery on a knee injury, but he is now targeting a return to training at Cobham before September ends.
It is also said that the Camberwell-born glovesman is a popular member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad despite his lack of playing time, and the coaching staff at Chelsea hold him in high regard.
Should Bettinelli achieve his goal of returning to training in September, it remains unlikely that he will see much first-team action following the £25m arrival of Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea have also spent £14m to sign Djordje Petrovic from New England Revolution, so the departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have not really changed anything for Bettinelli at Stamford Bridge.
Marcus Bettinelli deserves credit at Chelsea.
For Bettinelli to hardly play, but still be considered a popular and valued member of the squad, speaks volumes about his character.
It would be simple for the shot-stopper to throw his toys out of the pram and complain at the fact Chelsea signed two new goalkeepers this summer, but he has remained professional throughout.
Hopefully, Bettinelli can achieve his target of a return in the coming weeks, and play a part under Pochettino behind the scenes.
Leave a Reply