Aaron Anselmino's Post-BVB Struggles: Injuries, Frustration & The Modern Football Transfer Saga

Aaron Anselmino's departure from Borussia Dortmund in the winter was sudden and under questionable circumstances. FC Chelsea immediately loaned the 20-year-old defender to Racing Strasbourg, where his situation has remained challenging.

Where there are losers, there are often winners. Luca Reggiani, for example, is one. The 18-year-old Italian might not have experienced such rapid and unexpected development at Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks had Aaron Anselmino not abruptly left the club.

However, for Anselmino, who was surprisingly recalled by his parent club FC Chelsea from his loan at BVB shortly before its expiry and then immediately sent to partner club Racing Strasbourg, fitness has been a persistent issue. The Argentinian was rarely fully fit during his time with the Westphalian club, and his spell in France has also been hampered by injuries.

At Dortmund, Anselmino, who had previously not played a competitive match for almost a year, missed a staggering twelve competitive games due to injury in just five months. His body reacted immediately after a solid debut for BVB, leading to several weeks on the sidelines for the 20-year-old.

Despite his limited appearances, Anselmino made a notable impression on the Black and Yellows during his 585 minutes across ten matches. BVB coach Niko Kovac praised him, stating, "Aaron performs exceptionally well when he plays. You can rely on this young man from the first minute to the last. He's a great guy and a great defender. He leaves nothing to chance. I'm glad to have such a player in the squad."

Aaron Anselmino Immediately Injured in Strasbourg

Aaron Anselmino is injured immediately in Strasbourg

The fact that Borussia Dortmund allowed Chelsea to insert a clause into Carney Chukwuemeka's transfer deal, which ultimately led to Anselmino's abrupt return to London, cast a shadow over Dortmund's squad planning. While Reggiani indirectly benefited from this situation, the images released by BVB showing Anselmino in tears during his farewell to teammates served as a troubling illustration of what some describe as a modern form of "human trafficking" in elite football.

For two months now, Anselmino has been in the French border city against his apparent will, and "he is frustrated," as Racing Strasbourg's interim coach Gary O'Neil stated four weeks ago. Despite playing 21 minutes in Dortmund's 3-0 away victory against Union Berlin just before his BVB departure, the defender arrived at his new club with an existing injury.

O'Neil remarked two days after the announcement of the loan deal, which runs until the end of the season, that Anselmino was "not yet completely up to speed physically." Three days later, the English coach confirmed Anselmino had suffered a minor thigh injury.

Only 15 Playing Minutes So Far for Aaron Anselmino

Subsequently, Anselmino made his first appearances for Racing in matches against Marseille and Lyon, though he was substituted on just before the final whistle in both instances.

It appears, however, that consistent physical exertion has led to recurring muscular problems for Anselmino over an extended period. The former Dortmund player was quickly sidelined again. In late February, O'Neil commented, "Aaron felt discomfort in his hamstring. We need to wait and see what's wrong with him. But we will still need him, especially after the departure of Mamadou Sarr, who left a gap."

The loanee is still a long way from reaching that point. Nevertheless, there was recently a glimmer of hope for improvement. Anselmino returned to training in late March. Most recently, he played 13 minutes against Nice last weekend. The good news: he's back on the field. The less good news: his total playing time to date remains a mere 15 minutes.

Can Aaron Anselmino Still Find a Happy Ending?

Can Aaron Anselmino find a happy ending?

As it stands, Anselmino has nine matches left to establish himself at Strasbourg – who are set to face Mainz 05 in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday evening. The club still has much to play for, both domestically and internationally: they are currently eighth in Ligue 1, five points behind sixth place in the race for European qualification, and will host Nice, whom they recently defeated 3-1, in the Coupe de France semi-finals at the end of April.

The club has not reached the Coupe de France final since 2001. Dominant Paris Saint-Germain has already been eliminated, and a victory would see them face either Lens or Toulouse. Thus, there is at least a possibility that Anselmino could dry his tears and conclude an immensely eventful season with a happy ending.