Chelsea are beginning to lose a wide selection of players due to injury ahead of their opening game in the Premier League.
The Blues will face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge to get their campaign underway, however are beginning to face an injury crisis at the back.
Levi Colwill is going to be out for a prolonged period of time following the news of a serious knee injury, however reports have suggested that Tosin Adarabioyo has joined him on the treatment table too.
With Wesley Fofana in a race against time to be fit for the game, Enzo Maresca is facing the prospect of less than two fit centre-backs.
Chelsea Training Session And Press Conference
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Josh Acheampong set for biggest Chelsea chance yet
One player who does look set to be fit is Josh Acheampong, following an impressive couple of performances in pre-season.
The youngster has attracted interest from a number of other clubs this summer. Manchester City are interested in Acheampong, but look as if they will fall short in their pursuit.
It is already believed by many that Acheampong has a big role to play this season, however the game against Palace has seen arguably his biggest opportunity come up in a Chelsea shirt to prove to Maresca that he can be a regular option throughout the campaign.
His game may be about to become a touch easier after it was reported that Eberechi Eze is set to miss the Chelsea game due to ongoing discussions regarding a move to Tottenham.
Chelsea Training Session And Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Chelsea’s stance on signing a new defender
Maresca has made it clear he is desperate to sign a new defender before the transfer window closes. He believes he does not have suitable cover for Colwill and the role he plays in his side.
However, it has been reported that Chelsea are not looking to sign a new centre-back during this month, with them believing that they have enough internal options to fill the void.
Acheampong is certainly one of the players being tipped to make more appearances, with a number of the other options looking likely to leave.
Axel Disasi is linked with a move away, while there still looks no chance of Renato Veiga being reintegrated into the first team squad.