Chelsea may recall Trevoh Chalobah from loan spell at Crystal Palace

Chelsea could solve their selection problems in defence by cutting short Trevoh Chalobah’s loan at Crystal Palace. Enzo Maresca attempted to strengthen at centre-back last summer and the issue is back on the table after hamstring injuries to Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, who could miss the rest of the season.

No decision has been made and Chelsea still have good depth in defence. Maresca’s senior centre-backs include Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill, who had formed a strong partnership with Fofana before the Frenchman’s latest setback. Alternatives include Josh Acheampong, who made his first league start in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Palace, and Aaron Anselmino after the Argentinian teenager’s recall from his loan at Boca Juniors.

Acheampong and Anselmino are inexperienced, though, and Chelsea have discussed bringing back Chalobah. The 25-year-old is versatile and has impressed at Palace. However, Chalobah, who came through Chelsea’s academy, is playing regularly and is thought to be reluctant to head back to his boyhood club after being frozen out last summer. Oliver Glasner is keen to keep him at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea could enter the transfer market if they feel reinforcements are required. Maresca has shown little trust in Disasi, while Tosin is yet to nail down a regular starting spot. Badiashile, who could be out for another month, has been linked with a move. Chelsea have tracked Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande and Benfica’s Tomás Araújo.