Overview

• Enzo Maresca publicly reiterated his belief that Chelsea require a new ball-playing centre-back to replace Levi Colwill, who is out after ACL surgery.
• Chelsea’s sporting leadership maintains confidence in internal cover and cites limited market options as reasons against a permanent external signing this window.
• Tosin Adarabioyo’s minor injury ruled him out of the opener, leading to academy graduate Josh Acheampong’s first league start and standout defensive display.
• The 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace included a VAR-overturned Eberechi Eze free-kick goal for Marc Guéhi’s improper positioning and highlighted Chelsea’s rustiness.
• Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi have been removed from first-team training and are expected to depart, and further sales would be required before new defensive recruits are considered.