Chelsea have been very active in the ongoing transfer window. Additionally, they are also close to finalising deals for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, which will likely be the final signings of this summer. However, fans have been left wondering if a new centre-back could also be brought in by the Blues following the injury to Levi Colwill, which will keep him out for a long time.
Chelsea and their injury troubles at the back aren’t something new. Wesley Fofana was sidelined for almost the entirety of last season, and the club had to call Trevoh Chalobah back from loan to cover in defence. That said, with the transfer window still open and the club facing a similar situation, will they sign a new centre-back?
According to the Evening Standard, Enzo Maresca has made it clear that he wants Chelsea to sign another centre-back. But the club's hierarchy are less minded to oblige and have faith in the manager to use Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, new signing Jorrel Hato and others to find solutions from within.
Of course, this is an update that Chelsea fans will not be happy with. And it is a decision that could end up derailing their season before it has barely started.
Chelsea hierarchy put faith in Enzo Maresca to use current options to cover for Levi Colwill
In Chelsea’s Premier League opening matchup against Crystal Palace, notably, Fofana was missing from the starting lineup, and the manager used Chalobah and Acheampong at the heart of the defence. Meanwhile, Hato is yet to get his debut in a Royal Blue jersey, as the player failed to get any minutes on Sunday.
However, the Dutch defender along with Fofana, Adarabioyo and the other defenders, is expected to play a major role moving forward, especially with the club reluctant to bring in a new centre-back in Colwill’s absence. Moreover, Renato Veiga is on his way to Villarreal.
Chelsea might change their minds if they can raise enough funds by parting with players like Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and others. But with less than two weeks remaining till the transfer deadline and the Blues' recent decision, it seems highly unlikely that any changes will be made in defence.