Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been handed an early blow ahead of his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace, as Tosin Adarabioyo has been ruled out of Saturday’s opener.
The Nigerian-eligible defender, who was expected to step in for the injured Levi Colwill, suffered a knock in training and will not feature at Selhurst Park.
The setback comes at a difficult time for the Blues, with Colwill sidelined for the season, while Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile are still short of full fitness.
What Maresca Said
According to The Times, Tosin’s injury is “not thought to be serious,” but Chelsea have decided to leave him out as a precaution. Maresca admitted his side would feel the absence, stressing the importance of the role Tosin was expected to play.
“When we build, we build with Levi in the middle. It’s different to playing on the left side,” Maresca explained. “The only one that can do that job well is Tosin. The one in the middle recognises solutions, breaks lines, and in my way they are so, so important.”
Who Steps In?
With Tosin unavailable, Trevoh Chalobah, who recently recovered from an ankle scare, is expected to start in central defense.
Chelsea may also turn to summer signing Aarón Anselmino, academy prospect Josh Acheampong, or even experiment with versatile options like Reece James and teenager Jorrel Hato in the back line.
Fofana could make the matchday squad but is not considered fit enough to complete 90 minutes, leaving Maresca with limited options as he prepares for his first competitive game in charge.
The Italian will be hoping his side can overcome the early setback and begin their campaign with three points against Palace.
