Chelseavs.Southampton

Since being recalled from his loan spell with Crystal Palace in January, the academy graduate has made five starts and one substitute outing in all competitions.

Chalobah had been selected in the first XI for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, only to sustain an injury during the early stages.

Having landed awkwardly on his back, it soon became clear that the 25-year-old was not in a position to continue and he was subsequently replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo.

With Chelsea back in action against Southampton on Tuesday night, Maresca has been quizzed over when Chalobah may be able to return to the squad.

Maresca delivers Chalobah update

Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, the Italian suggested that it was possible that Chalobah would only be absent from the showdown with the Saints.

As quoted by football.london, Maresca said: "He had a check yesterday and he will be around one week or 10 days.

"It's not an important injury so that is good, but it's a shame because we lose another player with the amount of injuries."

After the game with Southampton at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have a nine-day break before they travel to Denmark for the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie with Copenhagen.

Notable boost for Chelsea?

As Maresca alluded to, Chelsea are already dealing with an extensive injury crisis with players missing in defence, midfield and attack.

With regards to the backline, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are still recovering from injuries that have kept them sidelined since December.

Although Maresca has recently indicated that both players could return after the international break, Chelsea still have four matches to negotiate between March 6 and March 16.

If Chalobah can recover in time for that batch of matches, he will provide competition for Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill, with prospects Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino the other players in reserve.

Written by

Darren Plant