Chelsea were without a few important players for their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace over the weekend.
Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia all missed the game because of injury. Chelsea will be without Colwill for some time after he underwent ACL surgery.
Benoit Badiashile has also been sidelined, so central defence is a real issue for Enzo Maresca right now.
However, one of the Chelsea manager‘s centre-backs could return to action very soon.
Enzo Maresca looks on ahead of 2025 Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG
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Tosin Adarabioyo not likely to be out for long
With Colwill already out injured, losing Adarabioyo was a blow for Maresca, who had to use Josh Acheampong in central defence last Sunday as a result.
Chelsea fans discussed Acheampong’s performance on social media, with plenty not entirely convinced with what they saw from the 19-year-old.
It may not be too long, though, before they get to see Adarabioyo back in the starting line-up.
According to The Athletic, the former Fulham and Manchester City defender is not expected to be out for much longer in a boost to the Blues.
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Wesley Fofana was on the bench for Chelsea‘s draw at Stamford Bridge, so he could also be in a position to start for the team very soon.
Tosin Adarabioyo on the ball during Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
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Tosin Adarabioyo still a doubt for West Ham United game
Following their London derby with Palace, Chelsea have three more before they take on Manchester United next month.
First up is West Ham United, and with it being a London derby, Adarabioyo will want to feature. Following this latest update on the 27-year-old, he may be available for the fixture, though Maresca did not sound too optimistic when he spoke after the Palace match.
When Maresca discussed Adarabioyo’s injury, he said: “Tosin had a physical problem. We don’t know for how long.”
Ultimately, while the Chelsea star may not be out for too long, the trip to the London Stadium on Friday may come too soon for him. It means Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah could start again, though you would expect Fofana to come into the side if he is fit.