David Ornstein shares Chelsea January transfer update on key position | OneFootball

Chelsea are unlikely to sign a new centre back in January as they have enough depth according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Blues lost Levi Colwill to an ACL injury before the season started, and despite public pleas from Enzo Maresca for a new centre back his wishes weren’t granted.

Chelsea have struggled defensively this season with injuries, and have also made a number of errors leading to goals, which has cost them points.

David Ornstein speaks on Chelsea plans for centre back

The Blues were without Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo for the game against Liverpool, with Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong starting at centre back.

They were both forced off in the second half and Chelsea finished the game with Reece James and Jorrel Hato at centre back.

Acheampong and Badiashile aren’t expected to be out for long, which is a relief, whilst Fofana, Tosin and Chalobah are all set to return after the international break.

Chelsea are unlikely to sign a new centre back in January. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There’s been talk of whether the Blues will look to sign a new centre back in January, and Chelsea have been linked with Nottingham Forest star Murillo.

Chelsea also have youngsters Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr on loan who they could recall, and Orsntein doesn’t think a new centre back will be signed in January.

“You’ve got Chalobah returning from suspension,” he told The Athletic FC Podcast.

“You have Fofana not far off being back from concussion, was it? So this season I’ve got every expectation that they’re well covered.

“And of course, one of the players that came in was [Mamadou] Sarr, who then has gone to Strasbourg and then who would be coming into Chelsea presumably next summer.

“And therefore, I don’t think that’s an area of focus for them heading towards January.”

Enzo Maresca needs to decide on his best defensive pairing

With Chelsea set to have more options available after the international break, it’s now up to Enzo Maresca to decide on his best partnership.

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Before getting sent off against Brighton, Chalobah had started every game, whilst Fofana had started back to back games before suffering a concussion.

The fact Maresca started Chalobah and Fofana in back to back games suggests he may view the duo as his preferred partnership, but the most important thing is he settles on a pair and sticks with it.