Chelsea’s £48.5m man Jamie Gittens faces uphill task to play a role at Stamford Bridge

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Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as Enzo Maresca’s men entertain Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will be desperate to build on the 2-1 win they recorded over Liverpool before the international break and will know three points will temporarily lift them into the Premier League top four.

Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and a wealth of other names over the summer, with Maresca’s men hoping to play a role in the title race this season.

However, one big-money signing has struggled to settle in West London so far and will be desperate for a chance to play against Forest.

Jamie Gittens needs time on the pitch

Chelsea signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £48.5 million over the summer, with the 21-year-old arriving with a big reputation.

However, the England under-21 international has only started two Premier League games for the Blues so far, and has failed to record a goal or assist.

Gittens’ time in the Bundesliga shows he has all the attributes to be a star for Chelsea, but given the competition for places, he faces a big challenge to establish himself in the starting XI.

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of the Forest clash, with Gittens surely hoping he can get a chance to feature against Ange Postecoglou’s men.

Hudson-Odoi comparisons to be made

Chelsea will face a former player this weekend in Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, who left Stamford Bridge in 2023 after failing to establish himself at the London club.

This example should be a warning for Gittens, who arguably has more competition for a first-team spot than Hudson-Odoi did in his time at the Blues.

With Pedro Neto an almost guaranteed starter, William Estevao a burgeoning talent and Alejandro Garnacho arriving over the summer to much fanfare, Gittens has seen himself fall down Maresca’s pecking order.

A first goal or assist – either off the bench or in starting against Forest this weekend – would be the perfect tonic for Gittens, who will know time and patience are not freely afforded at Chelsea.