Chelsea seek internal fixes as Maresca sketches a backline patchwork
Chelsea must move on from Levi Colwill’s injury, a reminder that mercy rarely visits football.
Enzo Maresca asks for a new centre back, and silence is the only clear reply.
The club insists there are no obvious options on the market.
Maresca must craft solutions from within, like weather rising then failing.
On the bench sits Josh Acheampong, 19, who impressed against Crystal Palace.
Adarabioyo tweaked a minor issue and might return for Friday’s West Ham game.
If so, he could partner Acheampong as Chelsea morph into a back three.
Replacing Colwill’s line breaking passes won’t be easy.
Yet Maresca has options to plug the gaps.
West Ham visit on Friday night, a test wrapped in rain and doubt.
City host Spurs after that, another weather system for a reshuffle.
In the background Bournemouth wait, a reminder that no one fears the south coast.
Other games this weekend include Manchester City v Tottenham.
Brentford host Villa, Burnley face Sunderland, Bournemouth meet Wolves.
Readers can follow the full weekend brief elsewhere.
TLDR
- Chelsea must patch a disrupted defence with Acheampong and Adarabioyo as backline options.
- Maresca’s back three plan depends on internal tweaks and replacing Colwill’s ball progress.
- Bournemouth remain the quiet note in the league weather report.
Levi Colwill
Chelsea