Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has suggested he may need new signings after seeing his team go without a win against Crystal Palace for the fourth time in a row.
The Blues were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park as Jean-Philippe Mateta canceled out Cole Palmer's early opener to continue his run of form after successive losses to Ipswich and Fulham.
Maresca are in a defensive dilemma after losing Wesley Fofana – who could be out for the season – while fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile is also out with a hamstring injury.
The Italian's lack of options at the back saw him bring in youngster Josh Acheampong to partner Levi Colwill in defense and he was pleased with the 18-year-old's composed display.
However, he insisted he may still have to tap the January market for reinforcements as Fofana and Badiashile currently do not have a return date.
He said after the Palace match: “Even if we don't decide to buy or sell players because Josh has shown he is good, we already knew Josh was good enough. Probably with Wes and Benoit injuries we will see if there's anything there.” is going to happen [in the transfer market].”
Speaking about Acheampong, he added: “I definitely think Josh was our best player because of his age, it was his first game. Josh for me can be a top player for this club but he needs the right path, the right path. ” moment; for young players you have to decide which moment.”
Chelsea spent almost £200 million on signings last summer, including three players who can play as centre-backs. The Blues may be limited in the deals they can make due to financial fair play rules.
The club will be desperate to ensure they stay in the race for the Premier League title, but are now nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
After the Palace match, winger Jadon Sancho revealed that Maresca had warned the team that they needed to be better at killing games after allowing the Eagles to equalize late at Selhurst Park.
Maresca said at his press conference: “Between the first half and the second half we created enough chances to win the game, but in football you have to be clinical otherwise the game is always open. If I had to decide today the reason We didn't win the game. You have to try to be clinical when you have the chance to finish the game because at 2-0 it's probably over.”
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