Valentin Barco will be worried about his Chelsea future already for three different reasons

James is an experienced operator in midfield, but Gusto isn’t. The former Lyon star’s inclusion in midfield from the off against Brighton, and as a substitute against Arsenal, has come as a surprise to supporters.

It suggests a real lack of midfield depth. But do Chelsea actually lack midfielders? Or is it that Alonso does not yet trust Valentin Barco, with Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo both sidelined with injuries?

Another defeat to Arsenal but not the worst performance. Who was our best player? Who needs to improve?

Having remained an unused sub and managed just eight minutes of Premier League football across the three league games, Barco must be questioning what he’s done wrong to get continually overlooked.

Perhaps Barco will even be thinking he should have requested a loan, after completing a £34m move to Chelsea from Strasbourg in the summer, especially because his opportunities are only going to reduce.

Three reasons why Valentin Barco will regret staying at Chelsea

Alonso’s trust in Gusto over Barco is quite alarming

Barco will have entered the season thinking he had a chance of making a real stamp on Xabi Alonso’s side. Part of the Argentina World Cup squad, albeit he didn’t play much, Barco starred at Strasbourg.

There might be some truth in Chelsea signing Barco simply to protect their asset and grab a profit down the line. For Barco to see a right-back picked over him in midfield is damning. Alonso doesn’t trust him.

Pursuit of Lamine Camara and Manu Kone shows a lack of trust

With Fernandez departing, Barco once again might have thought – it’s my time. But Chelsea instantly went back into the market and tried to sign a replacement, despite the presence of the former Brighton man.

Manu Kone, Lamine Camara, Adam Wharton, even Fulham’s Sander Berge were considered. Again, more proof that Alonso would have rather had someone else in the door than turning to the young Argentine.

Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo are nearing a return

If Barco isn’t getting game time now, the chances of him even making the matchday squad will be in doubt when Henderson and Caicedo return. The Ecuadorian will be first choice, without any doubt.

The injury news on everyone’s lips..

Would you risk Caicedo vs Arsenal? Or are we strong enough without him?

The defeat to Arsenal highlighted the need for Caicedo. Henderson will provide back-up to Caicedo, with Romeo Lavia and Reece James fighting to start alongside him. Where does that leave Barco?

Given his snub against Arsenal and that his game time is only going to reduce, and that Chelsea wanted another midfielder in the summer, Barco will feel Alonso doesn’t trust him. A loan might have helped.