Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted at a push for defensive reinforcements during January transformation After his team tied with Crystal Palace 1-1 on Saturday.
The Blues have failed to win their last four matches, drawing with Everton and most recently Palace on either side Defeats against Fulham And Ipswich Town. Maresca reeled off eight straight wins before experiencing a bleak spell over the festive period, which coincided with a plethora of defensive injuries.
While club captain Reece James recently returned to Chelsea's squad – but is yet to make his first appearance since November – It has been confirmed Centre-back Wesley Fofana will miss most, if not all, of the season with a hamstring injury.
Fellow defender Benoit Badiashile will also be sidelined until next month, leaving Maresca without defensive options – as he pointed out afterwards. Deadlock on Saturday. The Italian coach admitted: “Maybe with Wes and Benoit injured, we will see if something will happen.”
The free-spending west London side ended Aaron Anselmino's loan spell at Boca Juniors early this week, with the Argentine centre-back arriving at Stamford Bridge six months ahead of schedule. However, Mariska is only 19 years old He urged caution When it comes to rushing the teenager into first-team duty.
With versatile defender Renato Vega He will likely be on his way to Serie Athe Blues could open up budget room for a new – and much-needed – defensive recruit.
Mariska was also keen to point out the positives ChelseaA drab 1-1 draw, most of which came in the form of Josh Acheampong. The 18-year-old right-back made the first start of his Premier League career at Selhurst Park, and was hailed by his coach as the 'best player' on the pitch.
“Josh Acheampong has been great for us,” Mariska enthused. “We really believe in Josh and it's just a matter of the right path for him, but he will be an important player for the club.”
