Thomas Tuchel admitted that he took a risk by including Ben Chilwell in Chelsea's starting XI to face Everton in the Premier League opener at Goodison Park.
The Englishman suffered a damaging injury in November 2021 that ruled him out for most of the season, only returning on the last game of the season for a tiny cameo, but was trusted with a spot from the start against Frank Lampard's side.
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The new Spanish defender didn't play much part in Brighton's preparations before moving to London for a deal worth more than £55m, and wasn't selected to start the game, though he was included over other left wingback options Marcos Alonso and Emerson.
Speaking before the game Tuchel revealed the risk he took, saying, "Maybe they can share 90 minutes between them, let's see. Ben starts, he feels good and has worked incredibly hard.
"Am I 100% sure he's ready in terms of timing and being ready for Premier League? We will see, but we have no other choice. He is mentally totally ready and in terms of physical. Marc just arrived yesterday in training so he needs to adapt a bit to our style."
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