Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is set for a return to international duty as he prepares to join the England squad following the withdrawal of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi after an injury.
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old is expected to link up with the squad ahead of England’s final 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and Serbia.
Although the Football Association is yet to issue a formal confirmation, preparations are already underway for Chalobah’s arrival.
England have already sealed qualification for the tournament, allowing manager Thomas Tuchel the flexibility to rotate and assess alternative defensive options.
For Chalobah, the call-up represents another opportunity to stake a claim in a competitive backline that features seasoned internationals and rising talents.
Chalobah earned his first England call-up under Tuchel in May, making his senior debut shortly afterward in a friendly against Senegal.
Despite his early promise, he missed out on subsequent squads for qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and was again overlooked during the October international window.
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Tuchel acknowledged then that Chalobah’s omission had been “unfortunate,” noting that the defender had been in strong form but was edged out by positional competition.
His form this season has strengthened his case. Chalobah has appeared in all but four of Chelsea’s matches across competitions, helping the club maintain third place in the Premier League while advancing to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and progressing comfortably through the Champions League league phase.
Tuchel, who handed Chalobah his Chelsea debut in August 2021, has continued to rely on him as a versatile defensive option capable of operating centrally and in more advanced build-up roles.
Guehi, whose injury opened the door for Chalobah’s return, sustained a foot problem during Crystal Palace’s Conference League win over AZ Alkmaar last week.
As a result, England’s defensive depth has come under renewed scrutiny, particularly with several players battling fitness issues as the qualifiers approach.
Further squad adjustments remain likely. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has already confirmed that winger Anthony Gordon, sidelined with a hip injury, and goalkeeper Nick Pope, recovering from a concussion, will withdraw from international duty.
Their absences may prompt additional replacements as Tuchel finalises his list.
BBC
