The Anglo-Nigerian’s anticipated absence from the season opener is due to a "minor issue" in training and the Blues are opting not to risk the 27-year-old, so he will sit out as a precaution.
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"Trev (Chalobah) is okay. (Wesley Fofana) could be available, we will see," Maresca had sad during the media briefing.
Trevoh Chalobah appears set to start at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, a remarkable turnaround given that this time last year he was considered surplus to requirements.
Fofana, if fit, remains another option, while Reece James has occasionally played at centre-back, though not last season. Teenager Josh Acheampong is raw but shows plenty of promise.