Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was forced off just eight minutes into Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.
Despite being sidelined last summer, Chalobah was recalled from a loan at Crystal Palace last month due to centre-back injuries and had become a regular starter in recent weeks. His early withdrawal raised concerns, with Tosin Adarabioyo coming on to replace him as Chelsea took the lead but ultimately lost.
However, there doesn’t appear to be anything overly worrying about Chalobah’s injury. Maresca stated that although further assessment is needed, the early signs are positive. “We’ll see, it’s early. He looks quite good now,” the Italian coach told reporters.
Chelsea are already dealing with injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, while Axel Disasi was allowed to join Aston Villa at the end of January after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Fofana may return before the March international break, despite initial fears he might be out for the season. However, Maresca stressed that the Frenchman should not be “rushed” back to full fitness. Badiashile is expected to return soon, with Maresca confirming he is “in the process” of rejoining the squad.
Chelsea’s immediate concern is reversing their recent slump in form. Saturday’s defeat marked their fourth loss in the last five games across all competitions, leaving them with just three points from the last 12 available in the Premier League.
The Blues will face bottom-of-the-table Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, a match they will hope to win, though their recent form makes no result certain.
