According to a report by Football London on Wednesday November 4, 2026, after Wesley Fofana's recent gaffes and rising concerns about his current performances in Chelsea's defense, supporters are demanding that Xabi Alonso start Aaron Anselmino in Wesley Fofana's place against Sunderland.

With Maxence Lacroix out with an injury, Jorrel Hato not present at training on Wednesday, and Josh Acheampong frequently used as a right back, Chelsea has few options in defense. It is anticipated that Levi Colwill will continue to start for Sunday.

Marco Palestra could start at right back, Tayo Subuloye could start in the middle, or Acheampong could move to the center, so Alonso has to choose who will play alongside Colwill. But a lot of people think Anselmino should be given a lot of weight instead of Fofana.

After Fofana missed a penalty and gave one away in a recent match against Liverpool, he came under heavy criticism for his performance. He also gave the ball up to Amad Diallo, so Chelsea was lucky to not give up another expensive goal this year.

Additionally, the sending-off of Fofana in last season's 2-1 loss to Sunderland sticks in the minds of supporters. That incident helped Chelsea miss out on European qualification. For the return match this coming weekend, they are demanding that Alonso start Anselmino.

Chelsea did not use the Argentine in any capacity after his loan stints with Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg ended following the Club World Cup. Earlier this year, on Chelsea's Asian tour, he had an injury that halted his progress.

Many Chelsea fans were happy to see him back in training because they thought he would be a perfect fit for Alonso's preferred high defensive line and add aggression to Chelsea's pressing game this season thanks to his speed, strength in duels, and unwavering defense.

The fact that Anselmino, along with Emi Martinez and Valentin Barco, was called up to the Argentina national team for November indicates promising progress, even though his starting position on Sunday is still up in the air. Alonso may have a valuable defensive option there if he returns.

While Fofana's numbers might suggest that the criticism has been too harsh, Chelsea now has Anselmino to choose from after he announced his availability again. Alonso has to make a decision: continue to pick the seasoned Frenchman or put his faith in the youngster.