Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was taken off due to an injury against AC Milan on Sunday afternoon, and they could be forced to field a changed backline in the Premier League.
The Blues will be hoping to compete for the Premier League title after winning the Club World Cup, but the team suffered a major blow after Levi Colwill suffered a serious knee injury against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
Boss Enzo Maresca indicated that the team would look to the transfer market to replace the Englishman, but he could face the prospect of needing more than one centre-back before the end of the summer window.
Chalobah went down against AC Milan on Sunday following a collision, and the defender was unable to continue.
With the club set to play their first game of the 2025-26 Premier League season on August 17, Maresca will almost certainly have to make alterations to his backline.
Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah on June 20, 2025
Who are the options left for Maresca and Chelsea at the back?
The extent of Chalobah's injury is not yet known, but if his issue is serious, Maresca will still have a number of options to choose from against Palace.
Tosin Adarabioyo is certain to start as a right-sided centre-back, while Josh Acheampong was brought on in place of Chalobah in the 57th minute.
Both defenders are combative and would be able to impose themselves against opposition strikers, but Maresca could also select a number of other players in his back four.
Jorrel Hato was signed from Ajax this summer and is capable of playing as both a left-back and in central defence, and he may be a candidate to feature in the opening weeks of the season.
Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo celebrates scoring on January 11, 2025
Who should Chelsea target in the summer transfer window?
If Chelsea can convince Crystal Palace to sell Marc Guehi, then adding the Englishman to the squad would be a sensible move considering he could replace Colwill's ability in possession.
The Palace defender is also an excellent duellist, and his experience of leading a backline in the Premier League could prove vital.
It should be noted that the Eagles player was forced off against Liverpool in the Community Shield, and it is unclear at this stage if he has picked up an injury.
Though the Blues have the likes of Wesley Fofana in their ranks, the centre-back has struggled to settle into life at Stamford Bridge as a result of serious knee issues, and it would be sensible to make at least one further addition before the window closes.
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