- 4 hours ago
Maresca makes BRUTAL Chelsea transfer decision over SURPRISE player
Robin Bairner
- 6 Jan 2025 00:45 CST
- 3 min read
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to react to the club’s poor form by asking the board to dip into the January transfer market – with one surprising first-team player in particular poised to be sacrificed.
Following the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, Maresca indicated that he would like to sign a new central defender following injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
However, a new position of interest has also been revealed for Maresca, whose Chelsea side have also been linked with a centre-forward to act as support to Nicolas Jackson.
In this instance, though, it is a midfielder that the boss is said to want.
READ MORE: The THREE signings Enzo Maresca must make in 2025
Maresca is fearful over the high number of minutes being clocked by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the midfield, with Si Phillips reporting that the coach has ‘worries’ over the suitability of Romeo Lavia as a backup option.
This comes as something of a surprise given that the Belgium international star actually forced his way ahead of Enzo Fernandez briefly in the thinking of the former Leicester manager earlier this season.
STATS
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
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Lavia injury issues prompt Maresca rethink
Lavia, though, has proven to be unreliable due to injury. He is missing because of a thigh muscle problem currently, while he also spent around a month on the sidelines earlier this term following a hamstring concern.
It may not necessarily be a new face to arrive at Stamford Bridge, with the possibility a loanee is recalled instead.
Phillips says: “At this point, we wouldn’t be surprised if one of Lesley Ugochukwu or Andrey Santos is recalled from their loan moves.
“Maresca is worried about Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo having to play so much, and Romeo Lavia has not yet been reliable enough and suffers with constant injuries.”
Signed in 2023 from Southampton for €62 million, former Manchester City youth Lavia has managed just 11 appearances for Chelsea.
