Chelsea -Baas Maresca would like to sign new defender as Colwill Coverage

Enzo Maresca would like Chelsea for a sign a center-back to cover the absence of the wounded Levi Colwill.

England International Colwill will miss most of the new season after a front cruciate ligament injury in the training.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are ready to start at home in the central defense at London -Rivalal Crystal Palace in the Premier League opener of Blues on Sunday.

Chelsea manager Maresca, however, has doubts about whether he can replace the 22-year-old Colwill, a key figure at Stamford Bridge, from his current team and is linked to a movement for Antonio Silva from Benfica.

«You know how important Levi was for us last season, for the way we want to play,» Maresca told reporters on Friday.

“We have often said that we can create opportunities and attack in the right way if we are able to build in the right way. Levi was a large part of our structure and now he is out.

«We try to find a solution internally, but the club knows exactly what I think and we will see what is happening.»

The Italian boss added: «I think we need a central defender.»

«We have a fantastic team. We are undoubtedly happy with the team. But we have often said that when the transfer window is open, everything can happen.»

Liverpool -Manager Arne Slot tipped Chelsea as title candidates, after he also said that he expected the West people to beat his side to the Premier League trophy last season.

Read also | Lionel Messi in India: Tour to start in Kolkata on December 12

Chelsea finished as the fourth previous term, 15 points behind Champions Liverpool, and Maresca was adamelable that he was not interested in so-called ‘mind games’ of rival managers.

«I don’t pay attention to what the other people say about us,» he said. “Also because it is easy to say that there are more clubs involved. I don’t like to play this kind of game.

«I like to be focused on players, try to improve and then they can say, they can say what they want.»

Chelsea has just returned to the training for the season after the triumphant world club cup campaign.

«We think we’re done,» said Maresca. “It has been a fairly short break, but we will try to be ready.

«Unfortunately we don’t have the answer because it’s something new.»