These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Dortmund left-back linked

Chelsea have been mentioned in connection with a move for Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro, according to media reports.

Thomas Tuchel signed the versatile left-sided player – he can play at full-back or in midfield – from Lorient in 2016 and according to Football London, the German could look to bring the Portugal international to Stamford Bridge.

‘The January transfer window is fast approaching and Chelsea will for sure be looking to solve their problems during the month,’ explains the report.

‘With Ben Chilwell likely to miss the remainder of the season, and Reece James’ apparent hamstring injury suffered in the 1-1 draw against Brighton at Stamford Bridge, this leaves only Marcos Alonso as the only fit wing back.

‘Thomas Tuchel could rely on his past connections with Borussia Dortmund in a bid to easily complete a deal for Portuguese left back Raphael Guerreiro.

‘The German signed Guerreiro when he was the manager of Dortmund back in 2016 in a deal worth a reported £9.5million, he was mainly deployed as a midfielder but later made the move to left back.’

Pundit labels James as ‘league’s most improved’

BBC columnist Garth Crooks has named Toni Rudiger and Reece James in his Team of 2021.

The pundit has been suitably impressed with the Chelsea duo and even went as far to call James the ‘most improved Premier League player’ in this calendar year when penning his final column of 2021.

‘Arguably the most improved Premier League player this year,’ Crooks wrote in his latest BBC column.

‘Strong, beautifully balanced and can strike the ball brilliantly with both feet. He's also quick and tremendously competitive.

‘If he can raise his level of consistency there is no telling where this kid could end up. That said, under Tuchel and at a club as big as Chelsea there's no reason for the player to go anywhere.’

Meanwhile there was also praise for Reece’s defensive team-mate Rudiger from Crooks.‘The German international's presence in a Chelsea shirt has proved to be invaluable since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel,’ he wrote about Rudiger.

‘Rudiger was deemed surplus to requirements under Lampard, but since the arrival of Tuchel the defender has gone on to win the Champions League and become one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.’

Terry wishes Chilwell speedy recovery

After taking to Instagram to update on his knee surgery, Ben Chilwell has been wished a quick recovery by team-mates as well as Chelsea legend, John Terry.

The left-back underwent an operation this week after suffering a knee injury against Juventus back in November, and updated supporters on his status afterwards via Instagram.

‘Hi guys. Just wanted to let everyone know I am on the way home from a successful op,’ Ben posted on Instagram.

‘I feel very positive and motivated to work like a beast to get back on the pitch with my boys soon and help this great club win more trophies. Thank you all for the support and nice messages.’

The defender received messages of support from team-mates Kepa Arrizabalaga, Thiago Silva, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic while John Terry also offered his best wishes.

‘Speedy recovery @Ben Chilwell,’ JT posted.