Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo remains a “doubt” for the Blues’ next match against West Ham on Friday night, according to reports.
The Standard claims that Enzo Maresca has been “handed a huge injury boost” in that the centre-back will return to training this week.
However, the chances of Adarabioyo starting at the London Stadium look rather slim at this stage.
The 27-year-old missed the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace with what was described as a “very minor” injury. He was left out of the matchday squad as a precaution.
Even so, it does seem likely that Adarabioyo won’t be named in the starting eleven for the second week in a row.
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Latest Chelsea injury news ahead of West Ham
In addition to Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile is unavailable. The centre-back has not played since the Club World Cup and he is not expected to return until after the international break next month.
Romeo Lavia is also on the sidelines, having not played since the tournament in the United States. No estimate has been given on when the Belgian will make his comeback.
Levi Colwill is the only other first-team player ruled out. The defender picked up an ACL injury in training, and he is set to miss the remainder of the season.
Maresca wants to strengthen his backline
The injuries to Adarabioyo, Colwill and Badiashile have prompted head coach Enzo Maresca to publicly urge Chelsea’s hierarchy to bring in reinforcements.
However, as things stand, no new addition to the backline is likely. The Blues also have Wesley Fofana, Aaron Anselmino and Josh Acheampong in contention to partner Trevoh Chalobah.
Acheampong helped keep a clean sheet versus Palace at the weekend, and he could start his second game in a week against the Hammers.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here