The different solution Maresca unveiled against Crystal Palace on Saturday was Josh Acheampong, the 18-year-old Cobham product who signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge in December after protracted negotiations that saw him exiled from first-team and development squad consideration for more than a month.

Enzo Maresca confirmed Wesley Fofana’s hamstring injury is worse than initially thought and the Frenchman could even miss the rest of this season. With Benoit Badiashile also out injured, and Axel

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has opened up on the moment they realised Wesley Fofana's hamstring injury was significantly worse than initially feared.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana’s season could be over because of a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old Frenchman missed the entire 2023-24 season after ACL surgery.

Chelsea are also likely to be without Benoit Badiashile for Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace and are currently heavily reliant on Levi Colwill. Whether the Blues are able to make a foray into the January transfer market remains to be seen but one possible solution to their defensive injury crisis is not open to them.

A Premier League proven, young centre-back who has been linked with Chelsea for a number of years and started his career with the Blues, Guehi seems a very possible replacement. The problem would be his price tag and the likelihood of Crystal Palace offloading one of their best players in January.

Chelsea's Wesley Fofana has been given a boost in his recovery from a hamstring injury with the defender aiming to return in weeks.

Wesley Fofana has not featured for Chelsea since Sunday, December 1 after sustaining a serious hamstring issue - and he is not expected to return for at least another couple of months