Chelsea Recall Aaron Anselmino From Borussia Dortmund Amid Defensive Injuries

Chelsea have ended Aaron Anselmino’s loan at Borussia Dortmund early, using a recall clause and bringing the defender back immediately. The centre-back was due to stay in Germany for the full 2025-26 season,

but Chelsea’s shortage in defence has forced a change of plan.

The recall follows a series of injury setbacks in Chelsea’s back line. Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have both missed spells through fitness problems, while Levi Colwill sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season. Chelsea are also tracking Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for January, though Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested.

Anselmino’s agreement with Borussia Dortmund was originally scheduled to run until 30 June 2026. Chelsea, however, activated the option to terminate the loan on Sunday evening, bringing the 20-year-old back to London mid-season. The decision leaves Dortmund needing to adjust their defensive plans for the remainder of the campaign.

"Centre-back Aaron Anselmino is leaving Borussia Dortmund and immediately returning to Chelsea. The Premier League club activated a clause on Sunday evening, prematurely ending the defender's loan, which was originally set to run until June 30, 2026. The 20-year-old made ten competitive appearances for Borussia Dortmund, scoring one goal. The club deeply regrets Aaron Anselmino's sudden departure and thanks him for his commitment over the past few months. BVB wishes the Argentinian all the best for his future. "

Centre-back Aaron Anselmino is leaving Borussia Dortmund and will return to Chelsea FC with immediate effect. Thank you, Aaron, for your time at BVB and all the best for your future!pic.twitter.com/gf2TQ5GYmWBorussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 26, 2026

Anselmino’s time on the pitch for Borussia Dortmund was disrupted by muscle injuries this season. Even so, the 20-year-old produced solid numbers in limited minutes, playing ten competitive matches in all competitions and finding the net once in a 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Across six Bundesliga appearances, Anselmino won every tackle attempted and more than half of all duels. The figures below outline the defender’s main contributions for Borussia Dortmund before the recall to Chelsea.

Competition	Matches	Goals	Tackles Won	Tackle Success	Duels Won	Duels Success
Bundesliga	6	1	9	100%	-	55%
All competitions	10	1	9	100%	-	55%

Anselmino’s departure removes one option from Borussia Dortmund’s central defence, while Chelsea gain immediate cover in a position hit by injuries. The move underlines how both clubs are reacting to current squad needs, with Chelsea also monitoring external targets ahead of the January transfer window.