Chelsea could have a new-look defence for the remainder of the 2024/25 season after suffering two injury blows and sanctioning three transfers. Enzo Maresca has been rather fortunate regarding key players being absent, but he has recently been dealt two fitness blows in the same position.

Both Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are expected to miss the next few months at least, with it possible the latter does not play again this season. The Blues responded swiftly to those worrying updates by recalling Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Boca Juniors, but it appears Maresca wants further reinforcement.

Marc Guehi has been linked with a return to his former club two-and-a-half years on from leaving. There is also consideration to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, football.london understands, where he has played alongside Guehi for the last few months.

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Though Chelsea will be weakened defensively by the absence of two defenders, Maresca still has a plethora of options at the back. Reece James, Malo Gusto and even Moises Caicedo can play right-back, while Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi and Josh Acheampong, fresh off making his senior debut, can all play in the centre.

At left-back, while Marc Cucurella is clearly first-choice, Veiga and Colwill are both capable of playing on that flank. One further addition at the back is still very likely, though, and if financially possible, Chelsea should do everything they can to get Guehi.

With 18 months remaining on his contract, Palace are likely to sell for much cheaper than the £70million Newcastle were quoted at this past summer, even though it is January, especially given their tendencies to part ways with key players at the right price, as proven by recent departures for Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen.

The Blues could also earn a discount on the deal having included a sell-on clause when the England international moved to Palace and if it means they only need to pay in the region of £40million, it is absolutely worth it.

It is worth nothing however that any move for Guehi this month is unlikely, as footballl.london understands. The simple solution would therefore be to recall Chalobah but allowing him to stay at Palace could see Chelsea reap financial rewards later down the line.

In the proposed absence of Guehi, Chalobah starting most Palace games is almost guaranteed, and the Blues may then be able to earn more than the £25million summer asking price in 2024.

Regarding outgoings, Ben Chilwell is free to depart if a club takes on his services. One of Disasi or Veiga could also move on with Premier League interest in the latter. As for Disasi, football.london understands the Blues are not desperate to sell the Frenchman given he is able to cover a number of defensive positions.

With that being said, a proposal from anywhere between £15million to £20million arriving could change that stance as it could result in Chelsea having more funds available for new signings.