Chelsea injury crisis deepens as Enzo Maresca suffers new blow vs Liverpool

Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were both forced off the field against Liverpool as Chelsea’s injury crisis worsens. The duo’s issues mean Enzo Maresca has five central defenders unavailable.

Levi Colwill could miss the season after he was forced to undergo ACL surgery in August, while Wesley Fofana is out of action with concussion. Tosin Adarabioyo is also absent until after the international break.

Badiashile was the first to leave the field and left Maresca pulling his hair out. It was midfielder Romeu Lavia who entered the fray in his place as Reece James slotted into the centre of defence instead of Badiashile. The Blues captain joined teenage star Acheampong in the heart of the backline with Trevoh Chalobah suspended after getting sent off against Brighton last week.

Malo Gusto moved across to right-back, having previously played in the centre of the field with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

“This will be a real concern for Chelsea,” said former Chelsea ace Pat Nevin. “They are going through centre-backs, Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, now Badiashile. The likes of Caicedo and James can play at centre-back but it’s a concern longer term.”

And that was before Acheampong required a substitution after going down himself. The youngster was replaced by ex-Ajax man Jorrel Hato after being treated on the field.

Liverpool had their own defensive issues. The French defender was also replaced at Stamford Bridge and went straight down the tunnel when he left the field.

Konate appeared to be pointing at his leg as he departed. Arne Slot opted against bringing on Joe Gomez in his place, however.

Instead, the Dutchman chose to send on Curtis Jones to spark a reshuffle in the backline with Ryan Gravenberch deputising.

While Chelsea led through Moises Caicedo’s thunderous strike, it was Liverpool who were able to take advantage of the mishapen backlines.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross found Alexander Isak, whose touch landed by Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international beat Robert Sanchez to the ball to earn the visitors an equaliser.

Gary Neville said: “Liverpool have a lot of attacking players on the pitch and it’s hard to keep them down. It’s either a brilliant touch from Isak or a bit of luck, I’m not sure.

“But what is important is Gakpo follows it in. It’s in a brilliant place if he knows he’s there. It’s one of the best little assists you’ll see.”

Chelsea had the last laugh, however. In the 95th minute, Estevao Willian slid in to convert a cross from Marc Cucurella to claim three points.