Chelsea Suffer Fresh Defensive Injury Blow in Liverpool Clash as Maresca Faces Major Selection Crisis
Chelsea’s nightmare run with defensive injuries has gone from bad to worse after two more defenders were forced off during their 2–1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Heading into the match, Enzo Maresca’s side was already stretched thin at the back — Trevoh Chalobah is suspended, Levi Colwill ruled out for the season, and both Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana expected to return only after the international break. Even Benoît Badiashile, who has been struggling with recurring fitness issues, was risked to start due to a lack of available options.
Unfortunately, things took another turn for the worse.
Double Injury Nightmare for Chelsea
With just over an hour played, young defender Josh Acheampong, who had been filling in at centre-back, went down clutching his leg in visible pain. He was immediately substituted, with Jorrel Hato coming on to replace him. To make matters worse, Badiashile had already been withdrawn ten minutes earlier after signaling discomfort — a worrying sign for Maresca and his staff.
Chelsea fans will now anxiously await updates from Maresca’s post-match press conference, where the extent of the injuries is expected to be revealed. Early indications suggest Badiashile’s issue could be more serious, though both players will undergo medical assessments in the coming days.
Defensive Depth Reaches Breaking Point
The timing couldn’t be worse. Acheampong, who missed the recent EFL Cup tie against Lincoln due to illness, was handed another opportunity to impress but saw his afternoon end prematurely. His injury is a setback for both his development and Maresca’s defensive plans, with Chelsea now facing another international break filled with uncertainty.
Promising Performances Cut Short
Before their injuries, both Acheampong and Badiashile had been performing admirably against a dangerous Liverpool frontline. The duo showed composure under pressure, neutralizing threats from Alexander Isak and other attackers for most of the game. Aside from one minor error, they looked solid — offering Chelsea fans a glimpse of what could have been a promising partnership.
Unfortunately, their strong displays were abruptly cut short. For Acheampong in particular, each missed minute feels costly in a squad where competition for places is fierce. By the time he returns, others may have staked their claim for a starting role.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
As Maresca’s defensive options continue to shrink, he’ll be forced to rely on makeshift solutions until reinforcements return. The upcoming international break offers some much-needed recovery time, but Chelsea’s medical team faces a race against the clock to get key players fit for the crucial fixtures ahead.
For now, fans can only hope the injuries to Badiashile and Acheampong are minor setbacks rather than long-term problems — because another major blow in defense could seriously derail Chelsea’s campaign.