Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca indicated that he would be looking for defensive reinforcements in January transfer after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Blues have failed to win their last four games, drawing against Everton and most recently Palace, as well as defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town. Maresca had rattled off eight straight wins before a dismal period over the holidays that saw a spate of defensive injuries.
While club captain Reece James has only recently returned to the Chelsea squad – but has yet to make his first appearance since November – it has been confirmed that centre-back Wesley Fofana will miss most, if not all, of the season with a hamstring injury.
Fellow defender Benoit Badiashile is also out until next month, leaving Maresca with no defensive options – as he stressed after Saturday’s intense standoff. “Probably given Wes and Benoit’s injuries, we’ll see if something happens,” the Italian coach admitted.
The big-spending west London club ended Aaron Anselmino’s loan spell with Boca Juniors earlier this week, bringing the Argentine centre-back to Stamford Bridge six months ahead of schedule. However, Maresca, who is only 19, urges caution when it comes to pushing the teenager into the first team.
With versatile defender Renato Veiga potentially on his way to Serie A, the Blues could make room in the budget for a new – and much-needed – defensive recruit.
Maresca also wanted to point out the positive aspects of Chelsea’s dismal 1-1 draw – most of which came in the form of Josh Acheampong. The 18-year-old right-back made his first start in his Premier League career at Selhurst Park and was hailed by his manager as the “best player” on the pitch.
“Josh Acheampong was fantastic for us,” enthused Maresca. “We really trust Josh and it’s just a matter of finding the right path for him, but he will be an important player for the club.”