Chelsea backline test as Maresca hunts a centre-back replacement
Enzo Maresca has asked Chelsea to replace Levi Colwill with a new centre-back.
Chelsea insist there are no suitable defenders on the market.
The job now falls to Maresca to find an internal solution.
The Italian can call on Josh Acheampong.
Acheampong impressed against Crystal Palace on opening weekend.
Colwill is out long term, Tosin Adarabioyo has a minor injury.
Adarabioyo may return for Friday at West Ham.
There is a case to give Acheampong another chance beside Trevoh Chalobah.
Acheampong counts Manchester City among his suitors.
He stood up to Mateta in the goalless draw with Palace.
Another look is warranted.
Can he cope as the central centre-back when Chelsea morph into a back three in possession?
Replacing Colwill’s line breaking passes will not be easy.
Maresca has options in the ranks and in the academy.
West Ham v Chelsea, Friday 8pm.
Manchester City v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm.
Brentford v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm.
Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm.
Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm.
Even Derby County would envy this defensive headache.
Colwill’s injury leaves Chelsea at risk at centre-back.
Acheampong earns another chance to pair with Chalobah.
Maresca must fuse discipline with the magic of a back three and trust his crowd.
Levi Colwill
Chelsea