The different solution Maresca unveiled against Crystal Palace on Saturday was Josh Acheampong, the 18-year-old Cobham product who signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge in December after protracted negotiations that saw him exiled from first-team and development squad consideration for more than a month.

Noni Madueke, Wesley Fofana and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall latest news and return dates - The Blues were handed a welcome double boost for their FA Cup win at the weekend

Chelsea are reported to be considering recalling centre-back Trevoh Chalobah from his loan with Crystal Palace to aid their defensive issues. Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana have both been sidelined by long-term injuries,

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Maresca was naturally quizzed on the situation, the Italian revealing that he was told that Fofana would be absent for between 12 and 16 weeks. He told reporters: "We speak the same language in terms of we communicate between each other in English and in French, so it has been quite clear.

Bizarrely, Fofana has taken to Instagram to refute his manager’s words, stating: "It’s not true!" the 24-year-old wrote in an apparent message to a fan account. "I’m not out for the rest of the season, I don’t know why he (Maresca) said that. I will be back in 4-6 weeks."

A Premier League proven, young centre-back who has been linked with Chelsea for a number of years and started his career with the Blues, Guehi seems a very possible replacement. The problem would be his price tag and the likelihood of Crystal Palace offloading one of their best players in January.

The defender was ruled out for the season by Maresca due to injury, only for the player to take to social media to deny the claims. Maresca said on Friday ahead of their FA Cup third round tie with Morecambe: "We speak the same language in terms of we communicate between each other in English and in French, so it has been quite clear.

Chelsea have activated an option to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.Chalobah has been recalled to Stamford Bridge with immediate effect and will not be available for

Chelsea have recalled defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Enzo Maresca’s side are now five games without a win in the Premier League despite their captain’s dramatic late intervention at Stamford Bridge.

Italian giants AC Milan have made contact with Chelsea over a possible move for Portugal international Joao Felix according to reports.The January window is now in full swing, and whilst the Blues

Chalobah was reluctant to return to simply make up the numbers in Maresca's squad. He has been assured that he has a role to play