Chelsea receive blow from Denis Zakaria as Juventus back Allegri after Haifa loss

Transfer News: Chelsea receive blow from Denis Zakaria as Juventus back Massimiliano Allegri after damaging Champions League defeat

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been dealt a blow with Denis Zakaria after Juventus backed manager Massimiliano Allegri, despite a 2-0 Champions League loss to Maccabi Haifa last night.

Potter is keen to send Zakaria back to Italy after being impressed with the midfielder, according to 90min (h/t Express). But this plan hinges on the dismissal of Allegri by the Old Lady.

The Italian coach is under enormous pressure in Turin. His side are eighth in the league with 13 points, 10 behind leaders Napoli. They are also at risk of being knocked out of Europe, with the Turin club having won just three points from four games.

Chelsea want to send Denis Zakaria back to Juventus. (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Zakaria arrived in west London on deadline day for a season-long loan. But the 25-year-old has yet to play a game for the Blues in any competition.

Chelsea themselves are in deep trouble here. The Swiss international had played two games for Juventus this season in Serie A, before taking action. FIFA rules state that a player can only represent two clubs in a season.

Potter not being a fan of the midfielder, the Blues were hoping whoever replaces Allegri would like the midfielder back. But it didn’t go according to plan.

Chelsea hope Allegri or his successor will take over Zakaria.
Chelsea hope Allegri or his successor will take over Zakaria. (ActionPlus12136586 Pierpaolo Piciucco)

Conor Gallagher appears to be regaining his form, while Potter preferred to give Carney Chukwuemeka his debut in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday rather than bringing in Zakaria. It’s clear the manager doesn’t want him and it will be wise for the club to get rid of the player.

It remains to be seen how Potter and Chelsea proceed with the Zakaria issue. As long as Allegri is Juventus manager, the harder it will be for the west London club to get rid of the player.

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One could also wonder why things have come to this. Zakaria was brilliant for Borussia Mönchengladbach and the Swiss national team but couldn’t get a single minute with the Blues.

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