Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has described Ghana defender Baba Rahman as an important signing.
The left back, who has signed for the English champions from German Bundesilga side Augsburg, replaces Atletico Madrid returnee Filipe Luis.
‘It’s important because he’s a left-back and he can compete with Azpilicueta,’ Mourinho said. ‘At the same time, Azpi can also compete with Ivanovic for the right-back position.
‘This player replaces Filipe Luis in terms of the balance of the squad.
‘Hopefully next week he will be ready.’
Rahman moves to Chelsea after successful spell at season in the German top-flight where he made 31 appearances.
He was first choice left back for Ghana at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea where the Black Stars missed out on the trophy on penalties to Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Rahman’s arrival at Chelsea is being held up.
The Daily Mail reported that the defender had been forced to delay his arrival in the UK as he awaits the necessary work permit and visa applications to be processed.
The 21-year-old signing from Augsburg has already passed medicals and agreed personal terms with Chelsea in a transfer that will initially cost £14m but rise on appearances.
The deal was formally announced yesterday and he will wear the number 17 shirt.
Daily View Gh