SHOCKING NEWS FROM CHELSEA! Chelsea are now without Enzo Maresca’s most important player… and it’s NOT Nicolas Jackson!
Chelsea are currently dealing with more than just the absence of Cole Palmer’s impressive form. Since the start of 2025, manager Enzo Maresca has made nine defensive changes across six Premier League matches. While this may not seem excessive, the instability is notable.
Marc Cucurella stands as the only player to have started every match in this period. Meanwhile, the other three positions in Chelsea’s defensive line—used in out-of-possession scenarios—have seen constant rotation. Even the goalkeeper position has undergone a shift, with Filip Jorgensen now established as Maresca’s preferred choice after starting the last two league games. However, defensive fragility has persisted, even when all players have been available.
Chelsea’s lack of defensive solidity is evident in their clean sheet record. Their last league shutout came almost two months ago in a pragmatic performance against Everton. Across 20 league matches, they have only won once without conceding, and only four teams have recorded fewer clean sheets this season—three of which are struggling at the bottom of the table. Wolves and West Ham, both with four clean sheets, share Chelsea’s defensive woes.
Unlike Maresca’s dominant Leicester City side in the Championship last season, Chelsea lacks a clear superiority over opponents. This has been brutally exposed in recent weeks, with individual brilliance from players like Kaoru Mitoma, Antoine Semenyo, and Erling Haaland punishing the Blues. Even Jarrod Bowen and Jankuba Minteh capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses, highlighting a persistent issue.
Ironically, Chelsea’s defense is the most experienced part of their squad. Despite having Jorgensen (22) in goal, key defenders like Tosin Adarabioyo (27), Cucurella (26), Reece James (25), and Trevoh Chalobah (25) are among the oldest players to feature this season. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana (24) and Benoit Badiashile (23) have been sidelined with injuries, further straining the squad. Younger options such as Levi Colwill (21) and Josh Acheampong (18) have been utilized, but the lack of leadership in defense remains evident.
Injuries have undoubtedly impacted Maresca’s selections, but defensive frailties have plagued Chelsea all season. Even during their strong climb up the table, defensive lapses were apparent—conceding three to Tottenham and failing to keep clean sheets against Southampton and Leicester. The 6-2 collapse against Wolves exposed the team’s vulnerabilities, with attacking firepower masking defensive inefficiencies.
Chelsea’s struggles were also apparent against Brighton, where Palmer’s four-goal performance masked defensive lapses. Newcastle attempted to exploit similar weaknesses, creating an open, end-to-end contest. Maresca has repeatedly emphasized the need for control, but as his system takes shape, Chelsea’s defensive issues have worsened.
Since their last clean sheet against Everton, Chelsea have lacked attacking fluidity, leaving gaps in midfield and in front of the goalkeeper. Gusto has faced challenges adapting to his defensive responsibilities, Cucurella remains unreliable in one-on-one situations, and Colwill requires an experienced partner rather than leading the line himself. The inconsistency in defensive pairings, particularly with Chalobah and Adarabioyo rotating, has prevented strong partnerships from forming. James’ recurring fitness issues have further complicated matters.
Fofana’s absence is particularly damaging, as his recovery speed and aerial dominance are unmatched within the squad. However, his long-term injury record makes him difficult to rely on as a defensive cornerstone. The result is a makeshift backline that can no longer be rescued by an out-of-form attack.
Maresca must find a solution, not only in terms of personnel but also tactically. His current system has left the defense exposed against quality opposition. While addressing attacking issues is crucial, shoring up the backline is a necessary first step toward restoring stability to Chelsea’s campaign.
