Chelsea’s defensive situation has been nothing short of chaotic this season — but Enzo Maresca isn’t panicking. Despite losing key centre-backs Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana to long-term injuries, the Italian boss remains confident in his current options and isn’t rushing to the transfer market for a fix.
According to BBC Sport (October 9, 2025), the Blues aren’t planning any emergency reinforcements in January. Instead, Maresca believes his backline can hold firm as the team regains key players and emerging talents continue to step up.
Fofana is reportedly close to full fitness, while teenage sensation Jorrel Hato has impressed when called upon — even if he’s still adjusting to life at Stamford Bridge. Before injuries struck, the pairing of Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong looked solid, particularly during the crucial 2–1 victory over Liverpool that reignited Chelsea’s season.
Thankfully for Maresca, there’s a glimmer of good news. David Ornstein revealed on The Athletic Podcast that the setbacks for Badiashile and Acheampong are “not serious,” suggesting both players could return soon after the international break in November.
“From what we’re hearing initially, Badiashile and Acheampong are not serious injuries,” Ornstein explained. “With the break coming up, there’s reason for optimism.”
That optimism extends to Maresca himself. With Trevoh Chalobah returning from suspension and Fofana nearing a comeback, Chelsea’s defensive depth is slowly rebuilding. Ornstein also confirmed that the club won’t be signing a new centre-back in January, pointing instead to internal development as the priority.
“They have Fofana not far off from returning,” he added, “and Mamadou Sarr, currently at Strasbourg, is expected to join next season.”
It’s a bold stance from Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy — one that shows faith in their project rather than desperation in the transfer market. But with the season still young and the injury bug already biting hard, this could either prove a masterstroke… or a massive risk.
For now, though, Stamford Bridge is backing its own. Chelsea’s message is clear: no panic buys — just patience, recovery, and trust in the process.
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