Chelsea lost Levi Colwill to a potentially season-ending knee injury during preseason, and the club opted not to pursue a new center back in the transfer window.
Enzo Maresca reportedly wanted to sign a replacement, but the hierarchy focused instead on attacking options.
With three crucial matches coming up for the Blues, Chelsea have suffered an even bigger blow, with two more defenders ruled out until after the international break.
Which defenders have been ruled out until October?
Chelsea will now be without defenders Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, according to Maresca, until after October's international break, which runs from the 6th to the 14th.
Fofana suffered a concussion during the Carabao Cup match against Lincoln City after an accidental collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
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Fofana will miss a 12 day period, which is required by concussion protocol.
Tosin will also miss the next few matches as he deals with a small calf issue, according to Maresca.
The duo is expected to miss matches against Brighton and Liverpool in the Premier League, and a match against Benfica in the Champions League.
Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong might be the only fit senior center backs at the weekend, with Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile expected to be fit for the following match against Benfica.
Chelsea news and related links
- Chelsea vs. Brighton lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Maresca ponders Palmer call
- Jamie Carragher’s blistering verdict take leaves Chelsea fans with questions
- Enzo Maresca delivers his verdict on Alejandro Garnacho's performance against Lincoln City