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Chelsea's injury crisis at centre-back could prompt them to attempt to re-sign Marc Guehi, talkSPORT understands.
It is also understood the Blues are considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.
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Levi Colwill and 18-year-old Josh Acheampong started in the heart of defence for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, while Tosin Adorabioyo and Axel Disasi were unused substitutes.
The unlikely centre-back pairing follows injuries to defensive duo Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in recent weeks as they remain sidelined with hamstring and thigh issues respectively.
Fofana was taken off in the second half of Chelsea's 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 1 and has not been sighted since.
The Frenchman's prolonged absence sparked a worrying claim from Maresca regarding when Fofana may return to action.
"Unfortunately he could be out for the season," Maresca said.
"We don't know exactly for the entire season but for sure he could be out for part of it."
With Fofana and Badiashile out, Maresca is in need of defensive reinforcements.
Guehi is one option, although he will not come cheap.
talkSPORT understands that a move for the 22-cap England international will set Chelsea back at least £50million.
Guehi moved to Selhurst Park from Chelsea in July 2021 for an estimated £18m and has made over 130 appearances for the Ealges since.
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The 24-year-old was the subject of intense speculation during the summer as Newcastle United made him a priority.
Newcastle tested the Eagles' resolve with four attempts in the summer window and culminated in a club-record bid of £65m.
However, Palace held their ground and held on to their skipper, who's Selhurst Park contract expires in June 2026.
Ending Chalobah's loan early would present a significantly cheaper option for Chelsea.
Chelsea's dealings in the summer left Chalobah facing limited game time at Stamford Bridge and he joined the Eagles in August.
After missing the first five games of the season with a muscle injury, the 25-year-old has since made 14 appearances for the club at centre-back.
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Despite the speculation, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner remains confident Chalobah will remain at Selhurst Park at the end of the window and pointed out Chelsea still had two other centre-backs on their bench in Saturday's draw.
“I could see that there was (Axel) Disasi and Tosin (Adarabioyo) on the bench,” Glasner said.
“I don’t know if you need (more) if you play with two. I was just reading that Anselmino comes back so they have five (centre-backs).
“I don’t know if they need eight, I don’t know what they are planning. Trevoh is doing very well for us and we are planning with him.”
