Chelsea boss targets defensive signing

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that signing a new defender is now a “priority” following a major injury blow to Levi Colwill.

Colwill, ruled out long-term with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, joins Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines, leaving Chelsea short in central defence.

Despite earlier reports that the club would not pursue a replacement, Maresca signalled a change in stance after Friday’s 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen.

“It is a priority for me,” Maresca told Channel 5. “Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season was because of him. We are going to miss him. We are also trying to find different solutions.”

Colwill was a key figure in Chelsea’s campaign last season, and his absence compounds defensive concerns that were evident even when he was fit.

The Blues have three weeks left before the transfer window closes, to make a defensive reinforcement.

Their final pre-season match is against AC Milan on Sunday before opening the league campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 17.