Chelsea Get Major Boost as Defensive Duo's Injury Status Revealed
Chelsea have received encouraging news about the fitness of defenders Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong following their withdrawals during the triumph against Liverpool this past weekend.
The Blues were already dealing with defensive personnel shortages before facing the current Premier League title holders. Trevoh Chalobah was serving a suspension, while Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were all sidelined due to various injuries.
The rarely-seen combination of Badiashile and Acheampong was selected to face the Merseyside club, delivering commendable performances against Liverpool's formidable attacking arsenal. Nevertheless, both players sustained knocks during the second period at Stamford Bridge, necessitating their removal from the match.
Enzo Maresca found himself lamenting his team's injury misfortune and anticipating potential complications during the international window, but reporter David Ornstein has disclosed that the injuries sustained by Badiashile and Acheampong are "not severe".
"Based on initial reports, the injuries to Badiashile and Acheampong are not serious, and with an international break currently underway, plus another scheduled for November," Ornstein disclosed on The Athletic FC Podcast.
"While I'm uncertain about the exact recovery timeframes, I believe they're not significant setbacks. This represents positive news for Chelsea supporters."
When questioned regarding Chelsea's potential pursuit of another central defender during the January window, Ornstein commented: "Chalobah will return from his suspension. Fofana is close to recovering from his concussion issues. For this campaign, I fully expect they have adequate depth."
Colwill remains a lengthy absentee due to an ACL problem, though Chelsea may see the return of their remaining injured center-backs following the October international fixtures. Regrettably, key player Cole Palmer will be unavailable in the attacking third due to his own injury concerns.