Chelsea supporters are calling on manager Xabi Alonso to replace Wesley Fofana with Aaron Anselmino for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland following the French defender's recent mistakes and growing concerns about his performances.

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Fofana has come under increasing pressure after making several costly errors, with many fans believing that Anselmino deserves an opportunity to establish himself in Chelsea's defence.

Chelsea are currently facing several defensive selection problems. Maxence Lacroix is unavailable because of injury, Jorrel Hato was absent from Wednesday's training session, while Josh Acheampong has frequently been deployed at right-back. Levi Colwill, meanwhile, is expected to retain his starting position against Sunderland.

Alonso has several options to consider when selecting Colwill's defensive partner. Marco Palestra could feature at right-back, Tayo Subuloye could be introduced in central defence, while Acheampong could also move into the centre-back position. However, a significant number of supporters believe Anselmino should be considered ahead of Fofana.

The French defender recently attracted widespread criticism following Chelsea's encounter with Liverpool, where he missed a penalty and conceded another. He also lost possession to Amad Diallo, with Chelsea fortunate to avoid conceding another costly goal.

Furthermore, supporters have not forgotten Fofana's sending-off during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland last season. His dismissal contributed to the club's failure to secure European qualification, making Sunday's return fixture particularly important for those demanding changes in defence.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have not given Anselmino any playing opportunities since his loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg ended following the Club World Cup. The Argentine defender also suffered an injury during Chelsea's Asian tour earlier this year, which disrupted his progress.

His recent return to training has been welcomed by several Chelsea supporters, who believe he could be well suited to Alonso's preferred high defensive line. His pace, physical strength in individual battles and aggressive defensive approach are considered qualities that could improve Chelsea's pressing system.

Anselmino's recent inclusion in Argentina's national team squad for November, alongside Emi Martinez and Valentin Barco, also represents a positive development in his career. Although his chances of starting against Sunderland remain uncertain, his return provides Alonso with another defensive option.

While Fofana's overall statistics could suggest that some of the criticism directed at him has been excessive, Chelsea now have Anselmino available for selection again.

Alonso must therefore make an important decision ahead of the weekend fixture: continue trusting the experienced French defender or give the young Argentine an opportunity to prove himself in Chelsea's first team.