Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca offers an injury update and discusses central defence problems, as well as his tactical approach ahead of the season.
Injury Woes and Defensive Concerns
Maresca remains deeply frustrated by Levi Colwill’s long-term ACL injury, which will keep the Chelsea defender out for six to nine months. “It’s a big loss for us. He was so important last season,” he said, adding that the team is working on internal solutions. “The club know exactly what I think. I think we need a central defender,” he emphasized, hinting at his push for an external signing.
Maresca also added that Trevoh Chalobah is ready, but Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are still on their way from injury. Wesley Fofana’s availability remains uncertain. With Colwill out, Maresca noted that only Tosin Adarabioyo can effectively fill his central role, while new signing Jorrel Hato has yet to play as a central defender. “Central defender, yes, but it’s different,” Maresca explained, highlighting the tactical challenges ahead of Chelsea’s season opener against Crystal Palace on August 17, 2025—a team that has beaten some of England’s best sides in recent finals.
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “The club knows what I think, we need a central defender in my view after Colwill’s injury… but we are looking internally for a defender”. pic.twitter.com/asUo9hyzk6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025
Chelsea Squad Depth and Season Focus
Despite defensive challenges, Maresca remains confident in Chelsea’s overall squad. “We have a fantastic squad. We are happy with the squad we have, no doubt. When the transfer window is open, anything can happen,” he said. He also stressed a focus on daily improvement rather than long-term predictions: “My personal target and the target of the team is to improve every day.”
Maresca uses a possession-based tactical approach, heavily inspired by Pep Guardiola, and instructs defenders and goalkeepers to build plays from the back. Recalling last season, Maresca said the team is better in cohesion now having worked together for an extended period. “We have become a better team compared to one year ago because we trained and worked together every day for one season. The first season was top. It’s a new season, we will see.”
Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see how Maresca navigates injuries, defensive gaps, and tactical plans as the Blues kick off a challenging campaign.
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