Chelsea injury update

Chelsea's defensive options are stretched as Tosin Adarabioyo's injury return could tighten the team’s shape in upcoming games.

Chelsea count on Adarabioyo return as Maresca reshapes defence

Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia all missing through injury. Benoit Badiashile is sidelined too, so central defence is stretched for Enzo Maresca. Josh Acheampong, just 19, stood in at centre back, prompting mixed reactions from fans on social media. With Colwill already sidelined for ACL surgery, the 0-0 result underscored Chelsea's defensive fragility and the need for options in this part of the pitch.

The Athletic reports that Adarabioyo is not expected to be out long, a lift for a group already short of senior centre backs. Wesley Fofana could be in line to return, and the team face three league fixtures before the Manchester United game. Maresca did not offer a clear timetable when asked about Adarabioyo, saying only, Tosin had a physical problem. We don’t know for how long. The club head into the trip to West Ham with uncertainty about who will line up at centre back, meaning Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah could start again unless Fofana is fit to feature.

Chelsea’s injury crisis at the back exposes a broader challenge for Maresca: how to keep a team-building plan intact when key players are unavailable. The potential return of Adarabioyo could restore balance, but a sprint to recovery risks recurrence if players rush back into high-intensity fixtures. The situation also highlights the tension between using trusted youth and relying on a short-term fix to plug gaps. In a league that rewards depth, Chelsea must navigate a crowded fixture list with care rather than speed. A longer view of squad health may determine whether the club pursues reinforcements in January or opts to strengthen from within the ranks.

Highlights

Chelsea faces a test of depth as injuries pile up and time to recover tightens.