“Anything can happen” – Enzo Maresca admits two defenders could leave; which hints at new starter tonight | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca’s press conference on Friday wasn’t too exciting, but he did refer to this January (jokingly) as a “disaster.”

There’s plenty of time for it to get better, of course. So far there’s been intense speculation about a bunch of sales, but nothing completed. The coach was asked very specifically about his defence, and whether the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi could be allowed to leave now that Trevoh Chalobah has been recalled from loan to cover at the back.

“At the moment, they are both with us. The intention is not to allow them to go. But we are in January and anything can happen,” Maresca answered cryptically.

He’s certainly not closing the door on them going. That backs up previous reporting that either player is available to depart: Liam Twomey of the Athletic previously reported that Disasi “is expected to leave this month,” and while Tosin is a little higher up the pecking order than him, there’s reported interest today from AC Milan in him too.

Chalobah return pushes unwanted defenders another step closer to exit

Trevoh Chalobah training with Chelsea after loan recall. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

If, as we expected, Chalobah comes straight into the team tonight, that could send out a very strong signal that the former Fulham man is available too, despite only having been bought in the summer.

The fact that Maresca didn’t deny that either could go is another sure sign that we could yet see major changes at the back.

When asked about Chalobah’s chances of starting in the same presser, Maresca didn’t want to give too much away:

“If I guarantee Trev to play then I’m wrong with Tosin or Josh,” he explained.

But we think it’s very likely the returning Cobham boy gets a start right away, especially with Levi Colwill also a doubt.